Nagaland: Healthcare workers directed to discharge duties sincerely amid pandemic

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 14 (EMN): Healthcare workers in Nagaland have been directed to discharge their duties and responsibilities “sincerely and effectively” in view of the surge in Covid-19 cases and for effective management of the pandemic in all health units and establishments in the state.

The principal director of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao, issued the directive through a circular on Monday.

Officials have been asked to ensure uninterrupted supply and prevent stock-out of essential medicines and other logistics, for which healthcare workers should give timely reports of requirements.

The principal director directed the health officials not to leave the station without permission and further reminded that no leave is permissible unless on health grounds duly recommended by the Medical Board.

He also asked the officials to report all cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) or any clustering of cases or unusual events.

In this regard, he warned that any noncompliance or contravention of the directives shall be dealt swiftly with disciplinary actions.

Report to controlling officers for any obstructions

Meanwhile, Khimiao also directed all healthcare workers under various health units to report to the respective Controlling Officer as per the provisions of the Epidemic Act 1987 & (Amendment) 2020, for any instances of ‘obstruction or hindrance in the discharge of his/her duties either within the premises of health centre or otherwise’ by any person.

It also asked to report any harassment impacting the living or working conditions and preventing the healthcare workers from discharging duties, or causing harm, injury, hurt, intimidation or danger to the life of healthcare workers. This included loss or damage to any property to documents in the custody of, or in relation to healthcare workers.

Health Committees and Hospital Management Society

Further, the principal director informed all Health Committees of various health centres and Hospital Management Society of District Hospitals to discharge their responsibility as mandated under the Nagaland Communitisation of Public Institutions and Services Act, 2002/ Society Bye Laws respectively.

It directed all Health Committees/ Hospital Management Society to look after the overall health needs of the residents under their jurisdiction as well as management of the respective health units including to supervise, direct, guide and support the health centre staff in the effective discharge of their job functions and responsibilities.

Accordingly, it asked committees to address any public grievances relating to functioning of the health centre and healthcare services and also to report unauthorised absence of any staff to the principal director.

It may be recalled that the department had replied to a query on irregularities in the rural sector, at a press conference held on June 4, that it had been asking the chief medical officers (CMOs) and medical superintendents (MSs) to report about any employees found missing or not performing their duties so as to strictly dealt with.