How Tulsipur-Sub-Metropolitan City is responding to COVID-19? an observational article from a Tulsipur resident

The past two and half months has seen a drastic change all over the world and Nepal is not the exception. The pandemic COVID-19 seems to stay for a long period of time. It has affected the peoples` lifestyle and with economy loss. Information, education and communication have been disseminated via several forums and media with regular update regarding COVID-19.

So far, Province 5 got recently affected by the virus recorded in Nepalgunj and Rupendehi regions which are close to Indian border. Thus, the government is focusing on more tests in Western Nepal where the movement of migrant workers is comparatively high. Furthermore, the internal borders between districts are now closed except few emergencies cases.

In the context of Tulsipur Municipality, integrated and systematic method of relief package distribution has been adopted in 19 wards. The scientific procedure with legal mechanisms are prioritized to cope with the spread of virus. All together 180 isolation beds have been provisioned at  the Quarantine facility. A 24 hours dedicated ambulance and free telephone call service has been provisioned by Tulsipur sub-metropolitan city. The distribution of relief package are taking place in a grass root level under the supervision of local government coordinating with community groups and leaders.

A variety of approaches like Tulsipur Food Bank, Mayer Disaster Fund and Labour Fund are other supporting platforms launched to boost the relief package in this region. Mostly marginalized group of people who work in daily basis as labour are assisted for food aid with other services. Most importantly, the local organisations of Tulsipur have been supporting the long distant travellers who are victimized because of lock down tragedy. With all these action, the outcome of the service is still lacking due to inaccessibility to needy doors.

To sum up, the local government body seems successful in delivering a broad range of services contributing to the control of corona virus spread in some extent. A very clear strategic plan with transparent financial package needs to be endorsed immediately without any further delay.

Nirmal Sharma

Reference: tulsipurmun.gov.np

http://tulsipurmun.gov.np/en