Embracing humanity: Tales of healthcare workers in remote areas

Dimapur, May 16 (EMN): The Covid-19 pandemic has raised pressing medical, ethical, and organisational challenges in the state. These included priority setting, triaging of patients, allocation of scarce resources, and restricting individual liberty in the interest of public health.

Even as Nagaland has not reported any positive case pertaining to Covid-19 till date, the state government has geared up its machineries to prevent the spread of the disease. All districts have also been put on their toes with the medical department, district administration, and police establishment on the forefront, a report from the CMO Kiphire through its media officer Haichikambe Pame stated on Saturday.

He has projected positive report of the healthcare workers at various health and wellness centres (HWC) in far-flung areas, particularly in Kiphire district border Myanmar, who have adapted to take on the roles for which they were not trained prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is for the love of my people as well as my commitment towards the duty,” said Supongsungla, a nurse at HWC Kisetong, when queried about the reason that made her perform duty everyday, while the CHO of HWC Purrur, I Lolenyangla, divulged that “it’s my love and sympathy that makes me perform my duty every day.”

Meanwhile, Vesutolu Rhakho, an ANM at HWC Chomi, maintained that it was a pleasure to carry out her assigned duties while delivering services to the best of her ability.” Sharing her happy moment, she said the institutional delivery took place at HWC Chomi on April 29 which was successful without any difficulties. The mother and newly born baby are in good conditions. The mother and the family members were ecstatic as they were wishing for a baby girl.

Citing such instances as a inspiration for health care worker like her to continue serving the rural people despite all odds, Rhakho said she was undaunted serving in one of the remotest parts of the state bordering Myanmar. With no vehicle even for hiring, she maintained, ‘I’m finding pleasure in travelling by motorbike to perform my duties despite poor road condition.’

When queried about the cooperation of public, the health workers were keen to acknowledge the village councils and the public of their respective villages. CHO of HWC Anatongre, Viseno Dolie, revealed that public has been very co-operative. “Having learnt about the danger of Covid-19, the public is co-operating by maintaining social distancing, staying at home, maintaining hand washing technique, and increasing use of mask,” she said.

With an overwhelming co-operation from the public, healthcare workers were motivated and confident to overcome the pandemic. With the underlying mission, healthcare workers have collaborated with the village councils and set up village quarantine centres in villages including purchasing of some first aid emergency medicines through VDB fund to deal with the pandemic.

Impressed with the selfless service of the healthcare workers, village health committee chairman of Purrur, Asokhiung reported that the staff of HWC Purrur, under the guidance of CHO Lolenyangla, have been functioning to the best of their ability.

“We the public are co-operating with them and working hand in hand to prevent the worst,” the chairman stated adding that the village has already set up quarantine facility.

Meanwhile, village council chairman of Kisetong, Liphunki conveyed that the public of Kisetong is giving its best to obey the guidelines and directives given by the healthcare workers. He lauded the selfless work of the healthcare workers stating they were even conducting house-to-house visit to treat patients with fever and other mild illnesses.

Healthcare workers continue to be a ray of hope by improvising with whatever means and resources available at their disposable. An optimistic Supongsungla said, ‘problems will continue to exist till the pandemic is over, we are adjusting with whatever is available in the HWC.’

Healthcare workers have embraced humanity as their prized-possession under all circumstances.

CHO of HWC Phelunger, Shijungsangla stated, “Do everything with a good heart and expect nothing in return and you will never be disappointed.” She also credited her mother for teaching her the virtue of being a missionary rather than just fulfilling the duty.

It may be noted that healthcare workers are caught in the middle of the pandemic. Primarily, they have to look after the patients whoever come for treatment, while at the same time protect themselves and their families. Nonetheless, their compassion for patients and their integrity as healthcare workers live on and they are ready to go the distance, the report added.