Morung Express News
Kohima | October 31
Contending that COVID positivity rate in the state has come down to 3%, the Nagaland government has made more relaxations and decided to hold the annual Hornbill Festival. However, the question on the low positivity rate remains doubtful as reliable sources from the medical department revealed the non-availability of Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) kits due to which test could not be done for quite some time.
Sources said “there were no RAT kits in the department and we could not purchase the requisite requirement because of financial crunch,” and as such, testing could only be done in the BSL Labs. Due to non availability of RAT kits, tests could not be done at entry points like Khuzama check gate, railway station etc.
While a total of 50,000 RAT kits were purchased by the department from its funds, it was informed that the department had also written to the state government for purchase of 1.50 lakh RAT kits several months back with no feedback.
While some help was extended by the Government of India on procuring RAT kits for the state earlier, at present the state has to purchase the kits on their own amid a financial crunch.
Acute financial crunch in medical department
As per the source, due to the financial crunch, the department is “not able to perform up to the mark in some areas,” which has affected the department to a great extent.
It was informed that to control the expenses, TA/DA have been cut down while the medical officials are doing more works and have to travel extensively, particularly during this pandemic crisis.
“Although contingency funds are being given which is being distributed equally to all the districts as per their expenditures,” the source said, “all these things are running short too now.”
Apart from the inability to purchase RAT kits, it was further told that the department is running short of essential items pertaining to other medicinal items.
It was also revealed that doctors on COVID duty who are lodged in hotels are being charged and paying for food and lodging as well. “Being a government establishment, they should consider the rental charges. The medical department is asked to pay everything. During this pandemic, every department is supposed to contribute,” said the source.
“Whatever funds were received, payment is being made, but the time is not very far when we will not be in a position to pay anymore if we are in this condition. In case, the third wave hits, where do we stand?” questioned the source.
On ban of appointment
Another cause of concern for the department is the blanket ban on appointment especially at a time when the department is facing shortage of human resources and more vacancies are to be filled up.
While informing that there are hundreds of vacancies in the department, the source maintained “medical service is not like others, especially during pandemic situation. We could not even replace those who have retired.”
Stating that there should be some sort of consideration at least for medical department during this time of crisis, the source added that, “Unless this is done, we will be in an embarrassing position and what will be the fate of the department?”
