Our Correspondent
Mokokchung, March 30 (EMN): As cases of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) have escalated to more than 1000 in India, Mokokchung is taking all necessary steps to ensure that it is well-prepared to face the challenge and threat posed by the growing pandemic.
The district administration of Mokokchung, stakeholders and the public are putting all effort to prevent the spread of the virus locally with the right information and precautions as per the advisories issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
On Monday, Eastern Mirror had an interaction with some of the doctors who are the frontline defence force to contain the pandemic. A senior doctor asserted that the medical staff were working round the clock to prepare for the worse scenario. However, he was apprehensive that with the shortage of medical logistics to face the crisis, it would be a challenging task.
"As per the directive, we converted 50-bedded Mokokchung TB Hospital into Covid-19 hospital and shifted the TB patients to isolation quarter and revamped the plumbing sector," the doctor said.
However, a source informed that there was an acute shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) and no ventilators for serious cases. "We got only 19 PPE, 30 N95 masks and surgical masks (face masks) and no adult diaper for staff wearing PPE suit,” the source said.
“We got a limited number of oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrator. Luckily Aongza Youth Association has donated 23 PPE locally-stitched, headgears and mask stitched by YWCA, Mokokchung. The PPE is for one-time use only and it needs to be disposed off after use,” said another doctor.
He also added that at least 16 PPE would be needed per day in the Covid-19 hospital.
A pharmacist also shared that because of the lockdown, many medical consignments have been halted mid-way. The consignments were ordered before the lockdown was enforced nationwide, he said.
A source also said that this pandemic was like a "ticking time-bomb and if it blows off without proper medical logistics at our disposal, it would be catastrophic".
However, Deputy Commissioner of Mokokchung, Limawabang Jamir assured that equipment like ventilators and 109 number PPE would arrive soon from Kohima. He also informed that till March 20, the cumulative number of person under home quarantine in Mokokchung district was 433; out of which 23 have completed their quarantine period.
"So far, only one sample has been sent for testing which came out negative," the DC said.
He informed that fuel stations in the district have been under lockdown to restrict the vehicular movement and to maintain social distancing. He added that those exceptional cases such as health issues and funerals might ask for fuel receipt from the administration to buy fuels from refilling stations.
Jamir further informed that as per NSDMA letter to assist the daily wage earners, migrant workers and people in distress, the respective ward authorities have collected the names and further directives are awaited from Kohima for implementation.
Currently, Mokokchung has one Covid-19 hospital; isolation centres at CHC Tuli, Mangkolemba and Changtongya, Lenjem hospital, Woodland Nursing Home, NAP Unit Hospital Alichen; quarantine centres are designated at Yimsenyong Farmer Hostel, ABAM Rest House Impur, Metsuben Hotel and Mongya Prayer Centre, it was informed.