Nagaland well prepared to tackle COVID-19, assures Health Dept
Dr. Vizolie Suokhrie and Dr. Nyan Kikon
Morung Express News
Kohima | March 9
The Department of Health and Family Welfare today assured the public that Nagaland is well prepared to tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.
"We don't need to panic. We have a robust system. In our situation, we are comfortable so far," said Dr. Vizolie Z. Suokhrie, Principal Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare while addressing a press conference on March 9 at the ‘Made in Nagaland’ centre, Kohima.
Dr. Suokhrie stated that Nagaland has strengthened all surveillance and Control measures against the possible spread of the disease.
Countering fake and unverified social media feeds, Dr. Nyan Kikon, Nodal Officer for COVID-19, stated, "There is no issue of suspected cases so far in the State."
"The District Surveillance Units and Rapid Response Teams are on maximum alert and vigil. 60 plus beds in isolation wards of the public and military hospitals have been identified and arranged," said Dr. Suokhrie informing that all logistics for sample collection, transportation and case management are in place. The State had already started the screening of passengers at Dimapur Airport on January 30 with the universal screening of all passengers arriving to Dimapur Airport starting February 7.
"Altogether 245 persons with Travel history to China and affected countries are on surveillance as of March 8. At present, five people are under Home Quarantine," said Dr. Suokhrie.
Further, the State has set up 24x7 helpline numbers which are in operation where about 15 calls are received per day. The Department has requested the public to call the helpline numbers and get their doubts clarified.
Further, no samples for testing have been sent from the State.
On the public's apprehension on non-restriction of foreign tourists, Dr. Suokhrie reminded that visas of tourists from affected countries are already in the process of withdrawal by the Government of India, which will ultimately lead to a nil entry of tourists in Nagaland. Further, Dr. Suokhrie stated that those arriving from affected countries are already being screened from the entry level, at International Airports or Ports where necessary actions are taken.
"If the Government of India is banning visas of tourists from affected countries we don't need to do anything. We do not need to panic," said Dr. Suokhrie.
While the screening of passengers are conducted in airports, the State is yet to set up a proper screening at the railway station, besides signages and setting up of helpline numbers. The Department however assured that screening initiative is in process.
The greater challenge is the number of tourists travelling by road where identification becomes difficult, mentioned the Department. "We are having serious discussion, we are keeping vigil and making arrangements," said Dr. Kikon noting that screening at railways and roads will require the help of other agencies such as traffic and police.
On border areas, the Home Department has already issued advisories. "We are taking steps, and going a step further by scanning the tourists. We are keeping a vigil on the border areas too," said Dr. Suokhrie.
The department however expressed concern that the disease is spreading fast. "It is an evolving scenario, an evolving disease," said Dr. Kikon stressing on every person's effort to improve personal hygiene.
"Just because it does not have a cure, does not mean that it is not curable. It is self limiting. Our personal hygiene is our most important weapon," said Dr. Suokhrie.
Regular review meetings and situation updates are being been undertaken by the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and the H&FW Department. The department also informed that State Training of Trainers will be held on March 11 which will be followed by District Level training to be completed within ten days.
Concerned citizens can call the 24x7 Helpline numbers: 7005415243, 9856071745 or 7005536953.
Sell surgical masks & hand sanitisers at MRP: Health Dept
DIMAPUR, MARCH 9 (MExN): The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland has directed all medicine dealers, both retailers and wholesalers, within Nagaland to desist from charging exorbitant rates for surgical masks and hand sanitisers.
An order issued by the Additional Drugs Controller, said all surgical masks and hand sanitisers should be sold as per the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India in compliance of the Drugs (Price Control) Order 2013.
“Any dealers found charging beyond the approved MRP will be liable for prosecution under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act 1955 and under appropriate section of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and Rules 1945. Consumers have been asked to communicate their grievances to 7085652962 or 9383087474. Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie also issued a similar order through the DIPR today.
