Nagaland Health Minister visits hospitals in Dimapur

Minister Pangyu and Advisor Toshi Wungtung with GOC Spear Corps, Lt Gen RP Kalita after visiting the Military hospital at Rangapahar Dimapur on March 24. (DIPR Photo)
 

Dimapur, March 24 (MExN): With the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 as pandemic and also as notified disaster, Nagaland Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Pangyu Phom accompanied by Advisor IPR, SCERT and VG, Toshi Wungtung visited the military hospital at Rangapahar, Eden Hospital, CIHSR (Referral Hospital) and Dimapur Airport on March 24, to take stock of the preparedness and preventive measures kept in place for possible case of COVID-19 in the district.

A DIPR report stated that Minister Pangyu expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made at the Rangapahar Military hospital, with 9 isolation beds and 8 beds in ICU with 1 ventilator and 2 transport ventilators exclusively for COVID-19 cases. 

During a brief interaction with Minister and his entourage, AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC Spear Corps, Lt Gen RP Kalita, informed that incase of extreme emergency they have prepared a team of 100 people to work in shifts  in any of the isolation zones.

Underscoring the importance of social distancing at this juncture, GOC said that leave has been extended to those soldiers already on leave and those who have returned from leave for unavoidable reasons have been quarantined. As far as borders are concerned, Lt Gen Kalita informed that all borders including Myanmar and Longwa are completely sealed. He further said troops have been deployed to prevent movement of people not only in Nagaland but Manipur and Mizoram.

At Eden Hospital, minister Pangyu and team held a brief meeting with the Nagaland Private Doctors Association (NPDA). Pangyu expressed gratitude to the private doctors for showing their concern in times like this. He informed the NPDA that the proposal with regard to COVID-19 submitted by them would be addressed during his meeting with the Chief Minister and cabinets so that collectively it could be studied for the benefit of the entire State. “Let us all work together because only Government sector alone cannot do without the help of your specialised skills,” Pangyu appealed.

President NPDA assured to collaborate with the Government and work together in one voice.

Airport Director, Zhimomi briefed the visiting team on the preventive measures taken up in the Airport.

At CIHSR (Referral Hospital) Medical Superintendent, Dr. Clement while highlighting on the preparedness level said that 10 beds general has been set up, trained around 120 staffs and separate Rapid Response Team exclusively for COVID-19 cases has been put in place. He however expressed concern on the limited ventilators and said only 2 to 3 ventilators could be spared even  in case of sudden outbreak of COVID-19. Further he expressed concern that the hospital is attending to several dialysis and cancer patients and therefore would be able to take patients in small scale. Further Dr. Clement apprised the Minister about the shortage of protective gowns and N 95 masks for the health workers, informing that presently the hospital has only 25 gowns which will be over in 1 day for 3 shifts if emergency situation arises.
Pangyu observed CIHSR as one of the best hospital with proper infrastructures and advised the management to be mentally prepared and to coordinate with the Department and appeal for joint responsibility. He also assured of all possible help from the Government

Advisor Toshi Wungtung observed the present scenario as a holistic problem and not just medical problem. He advised people not to panic and encouraged the frontline workers to continue to work on war footing.

CMO Dimapur, Pangjung Sangtam, Dy.CMO. Dr.Antony, MS Dimapur, DPRO Dimapur and district administration officials were part of the entourage.