NPCC says, ‘government should be guided by qualified experts’
Kohima, May 26 (MExN): “Pandemic is not politics. Expression of self satisfaction by ministers and spokespersons of the ruling Government cannot cure in this pandemic. Subject matter scientists, experts, researchers and certified opinions are required as it deals with life and death. Therefore, if the State Government is guided by qualified experts, we have chances of improving,” Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) noted in a letter addressed to Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio on Wednesday.
The letter appended by NPCC, President, K Therie said the situation needs more serious attention of the State Government and suggested measures to be undertaken on a war footing by the government to alleviate the situation.
There is huge suspicion in social media that not all COVID-19 deaths are true and also, COVID-19 testing equipment cannot be fully trusted. “These are two of many factors contributing to vaccine hesitancy,” it said reiterating, “The pandemic is not politics. These issues do not need politicians whom the people do not trust on the subject. Rather, experts and scientists with authentic evidences are the need of the hour to clear suspicion.”
It urged the government to increase mass testing especially in vulnerable areas and potential hotspots which should be done after proper oral investigation and should be voluntarily. “No force should be applied for testing. Experts may advise those having positive results to home quarantine and first aid medicines may be provided. Declaring someone positive has led to heart failure and mental disturbance,” it stated.
The current vaccination drive for 18-44 age group through a few hundred slots in two days a week is totally inadequate and therefore it urged to expedite vaccine procurement and increase vaccination centres. It also exposes the digital divide where the marginalized people are left out.
It also suggested to reactivate Government quarantine facilities; strictly regulate entry of all visitors from outside the state, ensure they undergo COVID-19 test upon arrival and further undergo a stipulated duration of quarantine either in a Government facility or in a paid quarantine centre; provide free rations to all non-ration card holders, especially those daily wage earners in the state who were unable to get free rations under PMGKAY; announce financial incentive for children who have lost their parents or earning member due to COVID-19.
“The current trend of converting almost all hospitals to increase bed facilities for COVID patients has become a deterrent factor for patients suffering from other serious ailments from seeking medical care,” it observed and stressed on designation of Non-COVID hospitals or healthcare facilities to take care of patients suffering from other ailments.
The NPCC also urged the government to ensure fair deployment/posting of healthcare workers and resources in all districts in accordance to size and population with sufficient equipment and medicine supplies. “Nagaland has the largest number of Government employees in terms of population ratio. This can be put to good use by utilizing the services of these govt employees in their respective places of posting. This will relieve healthcare workers who have been multitasked in their job so far,” it suggested.
Meanwhile, it also appealed to the Naga Ex-servicemen (ESM) community to come forward and lend a helping hand. “Almost all villages in Nagaland have an ESM who can be a force multiplier for various COVID Task Forces if given an opportunity.”
For procurement of equipment, oxygen, medicines, etc, for respective constituencies or districts, make use of MP and MLA LADP funds, it suggested.
Reminding the CM on the meeting convened by the Governor of Nagaland on April 21, Therie said that they did not advise lockdown and “continue to stand” on the advise as ‘it would adversely impact all walks of life and their future.’
Government assured to quickly look into the SARFAESI Act to boost all-round public development activities, instead of facilitating the growth of economy, all development activities were brought to a halt indirectly by closing all hardware shops.
NPCC has also shared that online education for rural areas is not applicable on the same scale with urban areas and therefore, advised that in rural areas, classes may continue with strict SOPs if found free from the pandemic. “The Government has simply declared summer holidays.”
