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Dimapur, April 1 (EMN): Five districts in eastern Nagaland namely Tuensang, Mon, Kiphire, Longleng and Noklak were dependent on health facilities close to the area -- District Hospital in Mokokchung or Assam -- for treatment of critically ill patients until a four-bedded intensive care unit (ICU) was installed at the District Hospital in Tuensang on April 2 2019.
None of the district hospitals in the eastern part of the state had an ICU facility before the oldest hospital in Tuensang got the special department that provides specialised treatment through the initiative of the Tuensang Chamber of Commerce and Industries (TCCI).
However, at a crucial time, when Nagaland along with the rest of the world, is fighting the deadly novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the only hospital with an ICU in the region is said to be facing a familiar issue- mechanical problem.
When the chief medical officer (CMO) of Tuensang, Dr. Moatemjen was contacted, he told Eastern Mirror that there was a ‘mechanical problem’ with the ventilator in the ICU at the hospital; as a result critically ill patients could not be kept in the emergency unit. He added the problem had been raised and a solution to it was awaited.
There are 15 primary health centres (PHC) and three community health centres (CHC) in the district, he updated, adding that all the healthcare workers and units had been alerted, trained and provided mobility support in case any situation arises considering the geographical factor (landlocked region).
Dr. Moatemjen revealed that Tuensang has received 40 personal protective equipment (PPE) but that was not enough.
“If there is any patient, 15-16 PPE will be used in a day, so 40 PPE is not enough,” he said. However, he said that the department has assured to deliver more PPE for the district.
On manpower, the CMO said there was shortage but maintained that most of the health centres across the state faces similar issue. He said the department was helpless on this as there is shortage of experienced practitioners.
However, he was optimistic that the situation could be handled because of the overwhelming response from the community through donations, both in cash and in kind. In addition, he said the department had tied up with colonies and sectors for assistance.
The CMO informed that for quarantine, the department and the administration had earmarked hotels, both private and government, colleges and church rest house; and 71 rooms were available for it. For isolation, only the District Hospital and CHC had been earmarked with 22 beds at the moment. However, he said if the District Hospital is fully converted into Covid-19 hospital, it could provide around 100 beds.