Expecting Centre’s response on Covid-19 testing facility in Nagaland soon—Phom

Our Correspondent
Kohima, March 27 (EMN): After its proposal for a Covid-19 testing centre in the state, the government of Nagaland is expecting a response from the Centre “in few days’ time”.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare S Pangnyu Phom told Eastern Mirror on Friday that Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio had written to the government of India for the facility. He added that the state Health department had also pursued the matter with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“Once the response is received from the Ministry, Naga Hospital Authority Kohima is the only option. Our intention is to set it up there,” said Phom.

Speaking on the preparedness of the state, he said that the special committee, headed by Chief Secretary Temjen Toy, is doing its best; task forces at district and village levels have been formed and they are functioning robustly with active participation from tribe hohos, civil organisations and health workers.

Phom said that once the consignment of PPE and other essential commodities reaches Nagaland, it will be distributed to all the districts. “If the situation goes from bad to worse, the department is ready to look into all the problems,” he said.

The minister appealed to all the citizens of the state to co-operate with the government in maintaining social distancing, health and hygiene.