Health officials trained on Omicron preparedness

Dimapur, Jan. 12 (EMN): Office of the chief medical officer (CMO) of Mokokchung conducted a training for medical officers and healthcare workers of Mokokchung district on Omicron preparedness, Covid-19 vaccination/ IPPI/ IMI and RI Micro plan in its conference hall on January 12.

An update from the CMO’s office stated that its deputy CMO, Dr. Aonungdok Tushi, welcomed all the trainees and made a powerpoint presentation on key strategies of Covid-19 (Omicron wave). With the Covid-19 pandemic in its third year and in the midst of impending third wave, he advised the public not to be complacent.

Also observing an increase in Covid cases in few districts of Nagaland in the last few days, he cautioned that by the time Omicron is detected, it would spread like wildfire. The only way to stay safe from Covid, according to him, was to follow Covid appropriate behaviours and to get vaccinated.

Also speaking during the training, Dr. Tiasunep, DPO CD-I, encouraged the trainees to focus on vulnerable groups especially those who are above 60 years and people with co-morbid conditions. He stressed on the importance of testing Covid for one’s safety, for referral and for monitoring.

He further called upon the trainees to be more vigilant since Delta variant is still prevalent with the impending Omicron wave in the district.

Dr. Ayangla Saku, DPO, also made a powerpoint presentation on the vaccination of 15- 18 years and precautionary dose to healthcare workers, frontline workers and above 60 years with co-morbid conditions. She informed that Mokokchung district has started the vaccination of 1st dose for 15-18 years and precautionary dose from January 10 at District Hospital and UPHC. She added that vaccines would also be available in all the primary health centres and community health centres within this week. She also emphasised on preparing microplan for vaccination of school children and also for school drop-outs to open a session at their respective health units.

While speaking on the immunisation coverage of the district, she requested the healthcare workers to track the drop-outs and include them during the upcoming IMI which is scheduled in the coming three months from February to April.

Dr. Ayangla Saku further informed that the next Intense Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) for the age group from 0-5 years would be held on January 23. She, therefore, encouraged all the healthcare workers to administer polio drops without missing out even a single child.