Our Reporter
Dimapur, April 21 (EMN): After the global Covid-19 pandemic had prompted the government of Nagaland to appeal to retired medical and health personnel, and medical students to volunteer their services, many have responded to the call.
Speaking to Eastern Mirror via telephone, a retired doctor from the department of Health and Family Welfare, and currently a member of the Nagaland Medical Council (NMC), Dr. P Ngullie informed that many retired doctors and nurses have offered to volunteer.
He pointed out that while the Health department and its personnel are dealing with Covid-19, the ‘general patients’ with other ailments should not be neglected.
“After seeing that many have volunteered, mobilisation of the volunteers was needed,” said Ngullie.
Subsequently, on April 17, Ngullie along with two senior doctors had met with the principal secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Menukhol John to discuss the matter.
“It was decided to open out-patient department (OPD) services in Kohima and Dimapur for now and in the coming days Wokha and Mokokchung will also be included,” he informed.
Since the District Hospital Dimapur (DHD) and Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) have been transformed into Covid-19 hospitals, Ngullie said that the OPD services will be functional in different locations and if any further treatment is needed, patients will be referred to the District Hospital in Dimapur and NHAK in Kohima.
“We called all 16 volunteers in Kohima and sensitised them; OPD services will be available at medical sub-centres at Paramedical colony and Agri colony from 9 am to 1 pm, Monday to Friday,” informed Ngullie.
It was further informed that on Tuesday, 10 doctors volunteered in Dimapur and a sensitisation event was held at chief medical officer’s (CMO) office, DHD.
“We discussed what activities we want to pursue in the existing sub-centres which are located at Diphupar and Kacharigaon in Dimapur and will commence from April 21,” informed Ngullie.
He also informed that most of the volunteers were fresh graduates and few specialists, including nurses. “These OPD services are for basic medical attention and the fresh graduates will be helping out senior doctors,” he said.
“A few of us are retired and senior citizens; but our spirit is strong even though the flesh is weak,” shared the doctor.
Further, he informed that doctors in Wokha and Mokokchung will be mobilised in the coming days and if more people volunteer, other districts will also be catered to.
“It is the NMC’s response to Covid-19 and we hope to render our services to the best we can,” he assured and further thanked all those who have come forward to volunteer.
The OPD services have been provided with medicines, masks, sanitisers and other necessities by the department under the CMO. Any healthcare professional who wishes to volunteer for this initiative may send their details via WhatsApp to 9402245812.