Naga Hospital starts taking in Covid-19 patients

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 3 (EMN): Following the activation of Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) as Covid-19 hospital on June 1, four novel coronavirus-positive patients were admitted to the facility on Wednesday afternoon.

Confirming this to Eastern Mirror, NHAK managing director Dr. Thorhusie Katiry informed that four female Covid-19 positive patients were admitted to the hospital on June 3. All the patients are returnees from Chennai and are asymptomatic, he added.

The managing director also informed that there are 67 beds (including male and female ward), besides 20 intensive care unit beds at NHAK.

Earlier on May 31, an emergency meeting was held at the directorate of Health and Family Welfare after which NHAK was activated as Covid-19 hospital with effect from June 1, in view of Ayush Hospital in Chedema nearing its full capacity.

In this regard, the managing director had directed all outpatient department (OPD) services under NHAK to cease functioning till further orders. The Opiod Substituiton Therapy centre at NHAK has also been shifted.

During a press briefing on June 2, principal director of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Vizolie Z Suokhrie had pointed out that Ayush Hospital in Chedema was “almost filled up” with Covid-19 positive patients. “However, the good part is that all of them are asymptomatic cases,” he said.

NHAK was activated for treating coronavirus patients as it has more facilities and beds, Suokhrie said. “If overwhelming situation comes, we have plans in place,” he added.

While stating that manpower is a challenge, the principal director of Health and Family Welfare also expressed happiness at the state government open to new recruitments. He said that around 27 doctors have been appointed and they will be sent to the ‘needy areas and in these things, the department is trying to adjust in the best possible way.’