1712 PPE, 551 numbers of N95 Masks, and 16 cardiac monitors in hand
Dimapur, March 28 (MExN): Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio on Saturday provided updates to “some of the crucial measures the government is taking with the support of the people to contain and deal with the COVID- 19 pandemic.”
The Chief Minister issued a public statement assuring the citizens that the government is taking all measures in regard to procuring medical safety gears, ventilators and other urgent necessities. He said that the first consignment of PPE goods has arrived, while the second consignment will be arriving on Monday with the aid of the air force.
The welfare and protection of the people is our top most priority. The welfare of healthcare professionals, police personnel, media personnel and others who are on the front lines will be our priority, he said adding that medication, equipment’s and safety measures are being put in place for the safety of the general public and medical workers.
Till today, with regard to essential medical equipment exclusively for COVID-19 cases, the State has 16 ventilators, 1712 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), 551 numbers of N95 Masks, and 16 cardiac monitors which have been distributed to various districts.
Today, the State has received medical equipment consignment totaling 1536 which includes Triple Layer Mask, PPE, BD Universal Viral Transport and swab sticks. Further, additional medical equipment and accessories totaling 2, 16,800 is expected on Monday, the Chief Minister informed. In addition, 33 ventilators are also expected by the coming week, he added.
Stating that constant efforts are being made to expedite delivery of such essential medical equipments and accessories with the help of Government of India, the Chief Minister said that the Health Department has made available 173 isolation beds for COVID -19 cases. This is in addition to 175 isolation beds in identified COVID-19 Hospitals. Further, the number of quarantine facilities has been increased to 1043 in the State and continuous efforts are being made to increase it further, he said.
Rio also noted that the lockdown is not intended to restrict the flow of essential goods and commodities. Movement of essential goods and commodities including POL has not been restricted in any manner and the position of their availability continues to be normal and comfortable, he said.
According to the statement, he has also appealed to the Union Home Minister and all the Chief Ministers of states in India to provide assistance to any Nagas that may be stranded in their states. He appealed those who are stranded to “hold on and keep in touch with the Nagaland Houses around the country,” adding that funds have been released to take care of their needs.
The Chief Minister has also appointed one Minister and one Advisor each to monitor preparedness in each district. In addition to this, he said that Minister Neiba Kronu and Minister Pangnyu Phom will give a press briefing everyday to keep the people informed.
I am personally interacting with the concerned senior officials on a daily basis and also with Deputy Commissioners and other district authorities through regular video conferencing, he added.
Meanwhile, Rio also acknowledged the various citizen initiatives and appealed all citizens to “come together at this crucial juncture and play your part to ‘prevent, track, trace and treat’ the pandemic.”
