Kohima: In its battle to combat the spread of deadly coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) handed two new paramedic vehicles (smart ambulances) to the Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) to be utilised till the situation “normalises”.
Two smart ambulances equipped with oxygen cylinders B type/bulk type, ventilator, ECG, suction, foot suction, monitor, laryngoscope, 5 KVA online UPS, portable stretcher, surgical disposals, syringe pump, defibrillator and AC built in operation manual, were handed to the managing director of NHAK by Dr Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, advisor, urban development & municipal affairs, outside the KSCDL office in Kohima on Monday.
Ahead of the flag-off, Kire said that the procurement of the new paramedic vehicles is a “blessing in disguise” and that it was procured at the “right time and right moment”. He said that the state government is well prepared and is doing its best to combat the spread of the deadly virus with all necessary essential equipment and facilities being provided.
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Hoping that the new smart ambulances, which are yet to be registered, is in “safe hands”, he urged the district hospital authority to make the best use of the ambulances. Although no positive case has been reported so far, he said that the state is making all efforts and preparing in case any eventuality is reported.
NHAK managing director Dr Thorhushie Katiry expressed how the hospital has desperately longed for a high-tech ambulance. Acknowledging the KSCDL for the contribution, he said that arrangements of logistics is very difficult due to the deadly nature of the virus.
Assuring that the new paramedic vehicles will be properly utilised, he said that the medical personnel are working day and night to ensure the best possible outcome in case any COVID-19 positive case is reported in the state.
Principal secretary Himato Zhimomi said that the government is constantly working to ensure that the residents of the state are safe. Lauding the efforts of the medical personnel, he said that the urban development and municipal affairs department will assure its full support.
Meanwhile, KSCDL CEO Kovi Meyase, informed that the two smart ambulances for the city were procured from the citizens’ health provision of the smart city scheme. Although new paramedics are under procedural formalities, he said that considering the urgency of the preparedness and requisite facility shortages faced by the government in the fight against the COVID-19 global pandemic, he said that the ambulances were handed to be operated and utilized till the situation normalizes.
He said that the ambulances will be GPS monitored by the KSCDL. While the smart ambulances are equipped with high-tech medical equipment, he said that if further assistance are required, the KSCDL will be providing it.
Till the situation normalizes, the competent authority is responsible to keep the ambulances sanitized, disinfected and in running condition. It shall however, be returned back to KSCDL in serviceable condition with all features intact, once the COVID-19 pandemic situation is brought under control.
