The Government Medical Officers’ Association (GMOA) on 2 May proposed the implementation of 11 measures in order to curtail the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The measures include establishing accurate data handling at the Epidemiology Unit, ensuring the involvement of all consultant community physicians for this task, and mobilising necessary manpower at the Epidemiology Unit.

The GMOA also called for increased testing capacity with minimal discrepancies, a mechanism to accurately amalgamate testing data from the public and private sectors and sharing of data to all relevant stakeholders with the use of GPS mapping.

In terms of treatment facilities, the GMOA proposal includes the establishment and implementation of a strategic plan to expand intermediate, hospital and ICU care capacities depending on projections and the home isolation of asymptomatic patients based on scientific criteria, considering both individual and social factors.

On vaccination, the GMOA states that every effort should be made to procure COVID-19 vaccines in adequate quantities with rational administration according to local as well as international recommendations. The GMOA also suggests the strict implementation of guidelines, zonal lockdowns and restrictions based on accurate real-time data and projections, and enhancing social capital by accurate, effective and cohesive risk communication while negating contradictory statements by authorities.

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