Kohima: Although no positive case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is reported in the state, the government of Nagaland, besides taking all preventive measures to contain the spread of the deadly virus, is ensuring that the state is fully prepared in case of any eventuality.
The COVID-19 district task force on Saturday inspected the special COVID-19 hospital at Chedema, the quarantine facilities at Khuzama and Meriema and also reviewed the inter-state border screening along the Nagaland-Manipur border on NH29.
The Kohima district team which comprised of Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Er Zale Neikha, Advisor Youth Resources and Sports (YRS), Gregory Thejawelie, deputy commissioner and other top officials, was led by Tongpang Ozukum, Minister of Housing. This is part of the plan put in place by chief minister Neiphiu Rio. Districts and responsibilities have been divided between his cabinet colleagues to ensure smooth functioning and full preparedness.
After assessing the COVID-19 facilities across the district, Ozukum expressed satisfaction but added that there is more to do. He acknowledged all nodal departments for turning “something out of nothing”, referring to the unused public infrastructure being utilised to handle a public health crisis.
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“I am thankful and grateful to God that till today no positive case has been detected but we cannot be complacent. As far as Kohima is concerned, the preparedness is satisfactory. There are areas that need improvement but we are working on it and the government is always there to help,” he added.
The AYUSH hospital has been converted into the district’s special COVID-19 hospital at Chedema. Twenty-eight beds have been arranged with isolation rooms, ICU, and general wards for male & female, all equipped with essential requirements.
The location is 23Kms away from Kohima town. 3 doctors and 2 nurses have been posted at the Chedema hospital to treat COVID-19 positive cases if any. Speaking to journalists, Dr C Wathsutho Nyuthe, senior medicine specialist and oncologist, said that the hospital is equipped to tackle any positive case. He added that since the hospital is located far from human habitation, it is an ideal place to treat positive patients to ensure that the virus does not spread.
Medical attendants will also undergo quarantine at a designated centre and follow necessary protocol, in case they come in contact with any positive case.
The quarantine centre at Khuzama TB hospital has 30 beds. The doctors at the quarantine facility said that the number of beds will be increased when required. At this hospital to the delight of officials the local community stepped in to fix the electrical fittings and also paint the wards.
The quarantine centre at Meriema, with 17 blocks has 90 beds. A team of six doctors are overseeing the preparedness, four teams have been created with one doctor each, three nurses and three medical workers to monitor the patients at the centre. It has also prepared 8 beds for persons with disability. All COVID-19 centres are specially-abled friendly.
Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Advisor Urban development and municipal affairs, appealed all Nagas to stay positive and not panic. Ensuring that all COVID-19 facilities are being upgraded, he urged the people to extend support to the government in the battle against this global pandemic.
Meanwhile, Gregory Thejawelie, deputy commissioner, said that funds will be used judiciously to ensure extensive preparedness. He also appealed to the people not to panic and hoard essential commodities. There is no shortage of any commodities, he said.
“We are not leaving any stone unturned towards that. And so far the going is good. I hope for the remaining period things will be good. That is what we foresee,” he added.
