Lockdown to continue till Covid cases fall below 5% – Pangnyu

Dimapur, June 19 (EMN): Referring to the central government’s directive, state Health minister S Pangnyu Phom informed that the ongoing lockdown would continue in the state till the Covid-19 cases fall below five percent. According to him, Covid-19 cases in Nagaland currently stand at 9.3 percent.

Pangnyu stated this during a Covid-19 review meeting with the members of district task force, NGOs, civil societies and churches in the deputy commissioner’s office complex in Longleng on Saturday. The minister was accompanied by the secretary of Health and Family Welfare, a DIPR report stated on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Pangnyu informed that the purpose of his visit was to take stock of the situation and to prepare for the third wave of Covid-19 in the state. He informed and pointed out that unlike the first wave, the second wave has caused huge casualties in the country not because of lack of medical facilities but due to negligence of the patients, who come to the hospital at the last hour.

He congratulated the district task force led by the deputy commissioner, district administration, police, medical, VGs, NGOs, civil societies and churches for working together as a family to combat the pandemic and making Longleng as one of the successful districts in the state.

He also appealed to all the government officers and staff posted in the district to come forward and extend their helping hand to the medical department and the people during this crucial time.

Asserting that the government is giving special focus on the health sector to combat the pandemic, he said the PDA government under the leadership of the chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, is committed to upgrade the overall healthcare facilities of the state and cater best service to the needs of the people.

He also informed that the government has decided to deduct 10 percent from LADP and another 15 percent from common pool to purchase urgent medical requirements such as pulse oximeter and oxygen concentrator for every functioning sub-centre in the state. In this regard, he directed the DTF to make an assessment of the required equipment in the district.

The welcome address was delivered by the deputy commissioner of Longleng, M Shayung Phom, while short speeches were delivered by the senior superintendent of police, secretary of Health and Family Welfare Wezope Kenye, Dr. Kikameren, joint director of Health and Family Welfare, CMO Longleng, medical superintendent, representative of PPC, president of PSC, and Khriethozo Pfukri, EAC Tamlu on behalf of Tamlu sub-division.

The programme was chaired by Pichano Kikon, EAC Longleng, while invocation prayer was said by Rev. Tialemba, PBCA executive secretary.

Earlier, Pangnyu and his entourage inspected the District Hospital and held internal meetings with the doctors and nurses.  Later after the DTF review meeting, the minister visited an isolation home, community care centre and ongoing sub-jail construction.