COVID-19: TR Zeliang urges govt to take more stringent measures

TR Zeliang. (Morung File Photo)

DIMAPUR, MARCH 25 (MExN): Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang today called upon the Nagaland Government to adopt more stringent measures to ensure the safety of people from the COVID-19 pandemic while implementing emergency actions to boost the healthcare sector.  A press release from the Leader of the Opposition lauded the government’s efforts so far, and tabled several propositions for consideration.  

Testing centers crucial

Zeliang expressed concern that there is no testing center for COVID-19 in Nagaland and at present, most tests for confirmation of the COVID-19 are dispatched to a neighbouringcentre based at Guwahati. “This calls for immediate attention of the State Government which, with all sincerity and Political will, must apprise the Central Government for setting-up of a testing center in the State at the earliest time possible,” he said.

Measures to stop discrimination

He further pointed out that people from the NorthEast India working and studying in metropolitan cities of the country are being subjected to the worst and ugliest forms of racial attacks because of their ethnicity and race. 

The number of such racial attacks are reportedly increasing at an alarming rate and it is crucial that the Chief Minister take up the matter with the Prime Minister at the earliest to ensure that the Naga people living in metropolitan cities are not subjected to more racial attacks, he appealed.

Zeliang also asked the State Government to issue notifications directing authorities of Nagaland Houses located across the country to accommodate and take care of Naga people who are stranded and in distress in such cities.

Seal borders

The former CM stressed on the need for sealing all inter and intra state borders along with international entry points. Zeliang called for restriction of movement including those travelling by foot. 

Gears for health workers

Doctors and nurses, who are at the frontlines, require proper protection equipment of high standards, Zeliang stated.

 
“According to information gathered from various District Control Room till March 25, it is sad to learn that protective equipment made available by the Government are not sufficient even for the doctors and nurses,” he expressed concern. 

He also pointed out that many government hospitals and health centers do not have thermal scanners; not to mention of the acute shortage of basic apparatus like masks, gloves, hand sanitisers etc. 

“In most of the District Hospitals, there is no dedicated ICU with ventilators to treat patients. Thus, it is of paramount importance that the State Government look into these issues and make prompt necessary arrangements without further delay. Even if the Government cannot provide Testing Kits in every District Hospital at the moment, at least ICU with ventilators should be provided urgently,” he stressed. 

He further called for the government to first ensure that government hospitals and health centers are equipped before spending public funds on private properties to accommodate suspected cases. “Only after feasible options are exhausted, if needed as a last resort, private properties may be utilized,” Zeliang suggested.

Make funds available

He meanwhile cautioned that fund constraint with the implementing agency would have severe consequences, and asked the Government to make funds available for utilization in the fight against the pandemic. 

“There is no budget provision for emergency procurement of equipment but impending situation demands that the State Government utilises what is at hand. For this to happen, the only way at this point of time is through percentage-cut from available resources which was passed as Vote on Account during the last Budget Session to meet the minimum requirement worked out by various Departments,”Zeliang suggested. 

Such arrangement should be made before the end of the current financial year, he added.

Ensure essential goods supply

Zeliang said that there is fear among the public over availability of essential goods, and asked the Department of Food and Civil Supply to work out a mechanism as to how distribution of essential commodities under the Food Security Act can reach the rural population with the help of medical teams.

Stop rumours

Meanwhile, Zeliang urged the public to stop circulation of rumours on social media. “Individuals should stop circulating such unconfirmed news while on the part of the State Government, a 24x7 Control and Monitoring Centre should be set-up with professionals from Medical, Information Technology, Cyber Crime etc. as Team Members,” he proposed.