Dimapur DTF assesses Covid-19 situation

Dimapur, Aug. 7 (EMN): The deputy commissioner of Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, has highlighted on the latest standard operation procedures (SOP) issued by the state government on August 4 and the 5th and advised the district task force members not to panic but take required precautions.

Soundararajan, who is also the chairman of Dimapur district task force, stated this during a meeting of the district task force on August 7 after he took over the charge of the deputy commissioner, Dimapur. The DC also advised the members to sensitise the people against stigma and discrimination associated with Covid-19, a DIPR report stated.

While describing the task force as the highest governing body in the district, the commissioner of police, Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo, urged upon the members to work collectively as a team. He further expressed that there was no harm to appreciate the medical, administration, police and frontliners at times.

Also speaking at the meeting, the medical superintendent (MS) of Dimapur, Dr. Kuveduyi Theyo, stated that the present SOP has been framed wisely and observed that workload of medical personnel would be lighter as far as Covid-19 was concern. With the existing SOP, he expressed hope that the hospitals would be able to prioritise on emergency cases.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dimapur Dr. Mereninla Senlem shared on the need for more manpower as far as surveillance and contact tracing work was concerned. She stressed that anyone from non-medical background could also help in surveillance work. She asserted that tackling the Covid-19 pandemic is not only the responsibility of medical personnel but civil societies too have a role to play.

Clarifying the apprehension of some CSOs members, deputy CMO Dr. Antoly informed that although initially the Covid positive cases of paramilitary forces were housed in the Covid Hospital Dimapur, presently there are no security personnel in District Hospital Dimapur. She stated that they have all been shifted to their own centres.

Director of CISHR, Dr. Sedevi Angami opined that dead bodies need not be tested for ascertaining Covid status, mentioning that it was just wastage of time. He also suggested providing TrueNat machine to all the private hospitals through PPP mode by signing an MOU.

In this regard, the DC has assured to discuss with the Medical department and put up to the state government.

During the meeting, several members expressed concern on the issue of harassment and barring of medical personnel and other frontline workers in their colonies/villages. The issue of lifting lockdown in Dimapur was also suggested by several members.

On this, the DC asserted that a calibrated reopening would be chalked out as per the suggestions of the members. He has also directed the DMC administrator for forming a sub-committee under his convernorship for chalking out a plan best suited in the local context. It was decided that the sub-committee would put up a proposal for calibrated reopening of the markets and submit to the district task force.

The DC further thanked the members for their inputs and suggestions and informed that a follow-up action would be initiated by convening a meeting at the earliest.