Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 28 (EMN): Minister of Housing and Mechanical (PWD) Tongpang Ozukum, who is also the minister-in-charge of Kohima district for coronavirus (Covid-19), expressed satisfaction at the preparedness level of quarantine facilities, Covid-19 hospital at Chedema, and interstate border check gate, Khuzama on Saturday.
Advisors Dr. Neikiesalie Kire and Zale Neikha along with District Task Force team led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Gregory Thejawelie also visited and examined the status of these places, along with Ozukum.
The minister pointed out concerns at the border areas particularly with Assam. However, as far as Kohima is concerned, preparation is satisfactory, he added. He lauded the efforts of Health department, DTF and line departments. The legislator assured them of the state government’s consistent support in combating Covid-19.
Health workers detailed at these places had pointed out the lack of basic amenities that needed to be looked at. The legislators and DTF team assured to look into their greivances and address the issues immediately, by collaborating with the department concerned.
Dr. C Wathsutho Nyuthe, senior medicine specialist and oncologist, who is deployed at Covid-19 hospital, Chedema said they are confident and prepared to tackle if any positive case is reported.
Presently, a team comprising three doctors and two nurses are detailed at Covid-19 hospital to take care of positive patients. However, it will be increased as and when required. He informed that 28 beds have been kept ready for the time being, which can be increased later on.
“Covid-19 is a very infectious disease and since the hospital is far and isolated, it is an ideal place to treat positive patients,” he added.
In case of contact with any positive case, medical attendants deployed will be quarantined for 14 days before returning home, Dr. Nyuthe said. He was confident that if one religiously follows the do’s and don’ts, ‘we will be able to curtail it’. There is nothing to panic, he said.
Chief Medical Officer-in-charge, Dr. Vezokholu has appealed to the public to stay at home. With the nationwide lockdown in place, they are expecting a positive case in this period particularly from March 23 to the first week of April. She assured that they are trying their best to control the situation.
On essential commodities, DC Kohima assured that there were no shortages and asked the public not to panic. “We are trying to ensure that there is a continuous flow of essential commodities for the people,” he added. He assured that the authorities are not leaving any stone unturned. Further, the DC said that the administration is trying its best to make judicious use of funds.
Advisor Kire appealed to the Nagas to think positively, particularly at times like this. Instead, people should come forward and volunteer to aid the government in this situation, he said.
Dr. Temsula, Joint Director of Health and Family Welfare, said that renovation work was going on at Meriema for quarantine facility. Out of 15 blocks, it has earmarked some blocks for kitchen, security, quarantine rooms including person with disabilities, she added. She also said that it would take another two weeks to finish the renovation works.
Health officials at quarantine facility at Khuzama (Plan-C) informed that there were 30 beds in total. The health workers also raised issues of lack of water supply, shortage of pipes, and electricity. Authorities assured to look into the matter immediately. According to health officials at Khuzama interstate border check gate, more than 200 people were being screened on average on a daily basis.