Dimapur, Aug. 25 (EMN): Minister in-charge of Peren district for Covid-19, Temjen Imna Along has affirmed to work hard and endeavour to do even better in his given capacity towards the people of Peren district as well as the state and nation to ensure a Covid-free society.
Responding to the demand of the Peren civil society organisations (CSO) for a change of minister in-charge of Peren district, Along has acknowledged their concern, which according to him was ‘understandable.’ He, however, stated that the issue was ‘blown out of proportion and are factually incorrect.’
He stated that it was ‘unreasonable’ to blame him for “sending of a positive person along with the other 16 negative returnees to Peren district” as the department of Health and Family Welfare had earlier issued a clarification.
He wished that insinuations and aspersions are not cast on any particular person as it was not easy to distinguish between the two returnees having same name, same gender, and from the same district.
Even though he could not travel to Peren district on a daily basis, Along stated that he had visited Tening and Jalukie community health centres on April 9. Besides, he had also visited Peren district again on May 21 and had a coordination meeting with the opposition leader TR Zeliang, advisor Namri Nchang, Peren DTF, department officials, members of the civil societies and church organisations of Peren district.
Along also stated that he had initiated for an upgrade of Tening health centre and the Peren District Hospital after his visit on May 30. Along also stated that he had personally took up the matter with the Health minister S Pangnyu Phom for installation of ventilators, TrueNat machines, generator, ambulance at District Hospital Peren besides cash contribution from his personal side.
Along clarified that he had never promised for upgrading Jalukie CHC to a 100-bedded Covid hospital. He also stated that repairing and renovation of an old structure at Tening primary health centre has already been initiated.
During a meeting at both Tening and Jalukie, Along had encouraged the frontline workers to continue their humanitarian works and sought the support of the people. He had also urged the medical staff to make use of the resources to fight the pandemic by creating more awareness in the district particularly at the grassroots and also remain vigilant while dealing with patients.
Even though, he was away from the state for a month, Along maintained that he was in touch with the advisor Namri Nchang, who is also the co-in-charge of Covid-19 for Peren district, and taking regular updates about the situation in the district.
“While it has been my constant endeavour to work tirelessly for the people, it is beyond my control if there are reservations against my efforts. I am fully aware that it is not a one-man show but a community response,” Along stated.
He has further appreciated the resilience displayed by the people of Peren district and all the frontline workers towards the battle against Covid-19. He has encouraged the frontline workers to put up a united fight against the pandemic even in the days to come.
