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Dr. Asangba Tzudir
At the backdrop of the deadly COVID-19 being declared as a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation, the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland has most ‘assuredly’ stated that “Nagaland is well prepared to tackle COVID-19” and that there is no need to panic. Though screening of all passengers is being done at Dimapur Airport on arrival, a greater challenge which is yet to start is the railway station.
While the number of confirmed cases worldwide has already crossed one lakh and the death toll crossing three thousand, the WHO has made a risk assessment and have placed both the global and regional level at very high risk. Though Nagaland is not affected, one can only hope that reality does not strike. Assurance may be given but it is also a question of how well equipped on all fronts we are to tackle this pandemic.
While COVID-19 has become the talk of the town, it also brings to fore the issues related to health care system and most importantly its delivery in the state. Even without going into the details, besides the lack of equipments and certain area specialists and expertise, the lack in both the system as well as the delivery aspect is clearly seen which is also simply attested by the fact that many patients are left with no option but to go out of the state seeking better treatment.
On another level, the issue of health care delivery is another concern. There are many reasons, and one definitely is taking the profession in a ritualistic manner being routine work but someone’s life is at stake. There are instances where, injury has been caused to patients or endangered due to carelessness or lack of professionalism on the part of doctors or nurses. However, the fault lies not with the doctor or the nurse rather on bad luck of the patient while considering it as a stray case. However, the ‘economics or the business of medicine’ seems to be very professionally sound while health care delivery is neglected comparatively. It is not only the professional knowledge that comes into play but also the ethics and morals which also creates a healing effect on patients.
Talking about the healthcare system in the state, there is need for better coverage in all the districts especially the villages that addresses delivery of better health care by providing access to medicines and services. It also needs to be people centered providing holistic primary care for individuals which includes not only health services but quality care to the patient. Healthcare is also not simply about hospitals, doctors and nurses but demands inclusive leadership through the involvement of stakeholders to ensure better healthcare delivery, so also to impact on the various healthcare policies. Finally, health and healthcare should become a part of all institutional policies because in every institution, its efficiency lies on health rate and the fact that good health encompasses all areas of one’s life and also the society at large.
Health is of utmost importance and thus calls for revamping both the system, which includes the structure, policies and infrastructure, and the health care delivery which would enable citizens to receive health care services that are cost-effective and one that meets pre-established standards of quality.
For now, though assurance is given about the preparedness to tackle COVID-19, it may not serve as the test of our failing health care systems and delivery.
(Dr. Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com.)
