Nagaland: Amid COVID-19, health workers told to ‘sincerely’ discharge duties

Kohima: Amid the surge in COVID-19 cases in Nagaland, the state’s health department has directed all healthcare workers across the state to “sincerely and effectively” discharge their duties and responsibilities, for effective management of the pandemic.

Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao, principal director (PD) of health and family welfare, on Monday directed the healthcare workers to timely report about the requirement of essential medicines and other logistics to prevent stock out and ensure uninterrupted supply.

The healthcare workers have also been directed not to leave the station without permission of the PD, further reminding that no leave is permissible unless on health ground duly recommended by the Medical Board.

Khimiao also informed that all cases of influenza like illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) or any clustering of cases or unusual events, be reported.

The health official warned that any noncompliance and contravention of the government’s directives will be dealt swiftly with disciplinary actions.

Further, all healthcare workers under various health units have been directed to report to the respective Controlling Officer as per the provisions of the Epidemic Act 1987 & (Amendment 2020, in case of obstruction or hindrance in the discharge of duties either within the premises of health centres or otherwise.

Instances of harassment impacting the living or working conditions and preventing healthcare workers from discharging duties, instances of harm, injury, hurt, intimidation or danger to life, and instances of loss or damage to any property to documents in the custody of, or in relation to healthcare workers, have been directed to be reported.

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Furthermore, the government, through a circular also directed all Health Committees of various health centers and Hospital Management Society of District Hospitals to discharge their responsibility as mandated under the Nagaland Communitisation of Public Institutions and Services Act, 2002/Society Bye Laws respectively.

The health committees and hospital management society have been directed to look after the overall health needs of the residents under their jurisdiction as well as management of the respective health units, while also supervising, directing, guiding and supporting the healthcare workers.

It also directed them to address public grievances relating to functioning of the health center and healthcare services, and report unauthorised absence of any staff to the undersigned. It stated the directives have been issued to ensure that health facilities are provided to the people in need in during the pandemic.