DIMAPUR, APRIL 19 (MExN): The Naga Tribes Council (NTC) today questioned the State Government in various areas related to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
First, it questioned the state’s dependency on neighbouring states for testing. It further queried on reports of sub-standard and poor safety equipment provided to frontline workers. It asked if such gear is procured by the Health Ministry, Government of India or middle men are involved.
“Are the COVID-19 rooms and other isolation treatment places also sponsored the Central Government?” it questioned. If not who is handling such construction or renovation or management for these pathetic slow and poor facilities/installation outcome, it asked
It also asked why the Government is “not utilizing the potential of Civil Societies and NGO’s till today.”
The meanwhile demanded that emergency response teams and services like ambulance as well as sufficient stocking of Medicine, WHO approved gadgets and essential commodities be put in place. It also called for distribution of food and other essential items for the poor, needy and the downtrodden including in the rural areas.
Other demands included providing COVID-19 rapid test kits in all the sensitive areas; community based Health policing and Isolation as per procedure; urgent BSL-3 and Rapid test kits be set up in Dimapur; and competent State Government manufacturing firms and international bodies be tied up for smooth continuous supply of essential items and WHO approved medical materials.
Further it called for transparency and accountability in the utilization of workforce, fund and resources.
It meanwhile appealed to all not to stigmatise health workers.
“They are for all of us and we all require health service one day or the other. Therefore, let us all put our heads together and reason together observing all protocol/safety measures, to logistically lend our support in whatever way we can to restore confidence building amongst the medical health workers and the common masses,” the NTC appealed.
