Arrange 100 Covid beds within 10 days– Kikheto

Dimapur, May 15 (EMN): Sounding urgency to accommodate patients requiring hospitalisation, Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) and nodal officer to manage Covid-19 activities in Dimapur district, Y Kikheto Sema, has directed the district administration along with Power, PHE, Housing, and Health departments to ensure a 100-bedded Covid hospital functional within ten days.

Kikheto stated this while addressing a coordination meeting held on May 15 in the conference hall of the deputy commissioner’s office, Dimapur, after visiting few government infrastructures. The visit was conducted with an objective to identify some institutions for immediate conversion to a Covid hospital, a DIPR report stated on Saturday.

Report stated that the 100 beds Covid hospital would initially be set up at the identified government building and further expand to 250 to 300 beds in the same premises as and when the situation demands.

With regard to manpower, Kikheto informed about the government has decided to withdraw one doctor and two nurses from each district hospital excluding Kohima district totaling to nine doctors and 18 nurses to man the hospital. He also added that retired doctors and nurses might be required to work for humanity.

While serious patients would be kept in the Dimapur Covid Hospital, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) and other private hospitals with ICU facilities, Kikheto stated that patients with mild to moderate symptoms needing hospitalisation would be kept in the new Covid hospital.

He, therefore, reminded all the officers to be mentally prepared even to face the worst situation saying the state government would give all possible support to combat the pandemic.

Emphasising on the importance of strong mental health with a positive attitude during such times, Kikheto dwelt on the need for creating awareness amongst the public so that they do not over emphasise on Covid but rather be disciplined and listen to the instructions issued by the authorities.

Kikheto also disclosed that around 2000 Covid positives are undergoing home quarantine in Dimapur district till date. He further requested the people not to misuse social media by circulating propaganda that could create unnecessary panic, stress and tension in the minds of the people. In this regard, Kikheto requested the DC and CP Dimapur for issuing necessary directives and to deal the defaulters as per provision of the law.

Kikheto has also appreciated the humanitarian services rendered by Sikh community of Dimapur in providing 100 nos. of lunch packets to the attendants at Dimapur Covid Hospital starting from Saturday. Kikheto also appreciated the Western Sumi Baptist Churches for deciding to sponsor the cost of coffins for the poor and needy patients who succumb to Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, and the commissioner of Police, Rothihu Tetseo, have welcomed the APC on his assignment to coordinate with Dimapur district task force. They both have assured to render cooperation in combating the pandemic with a collective effort.