Congress to PM: Hospitals need PPE and poor need a package, not theatrics

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said on Saturday that the spread of Covid-19 and consequent nationwide lockdown require practical interventions from the Prime Minister such as equipping hospitals and health centres, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), hazmat suits to health workers and increased testing, as well a comprehensive economic package to the state governments to deal with the emergency situation."Instead of addressing these crucial issues, the Prime Minister is coming up with mere dramatic acts simply to run away from his responsibilities and obligations," said Venugopal.He reiterated that people expected the Prime Minister to speak on pressing issues such as government's efforts to curtail the virus transmission, initiating rapid testing, providing PPEs to the doctors, nurses and health workers. "People across the country are reeling under the impact of the unplanned lockdown. They expect not a magic wand but a comprehensive and strategic approach from the PM to deal with the unprecedented migrant labour crisis, issues of daily wage workers, business community, people working in un-organized sector and the middle class", he added.Venugopal said instead of addressing this unprecedented health crisis, the PM has come up with stage-crafted events like lighting lamps and clapping, one after another."While motivation and unity is the need of the hour, the government's response should not be limited to mere theatrics and rhetoric. It should rather focus on actions to motivate the people to face this unprecedented pandemic challenge", he said.
--IANS ss/prs