DIMAPUR, MAY 31 (MExN): The ruling PDA government in Nagaland is not only drawing the ire of the public but also the opposition NPF’s over the COVID-19 situation in the state.
The NPF today issued a press release hitting out at the Neiphiu Rio-led government stating that claims of preparedness differs with what is available on ground.
“It is discouraging to note that the PDA Government is unable to handle the pandemic effectively. The PDA Government keeps claiming that it is fully prepared to tackle the pandemic, but when we check on the ground there is hardly anything worth the name in the health sector especially on COVID related facilities,” stated the release from the NPF Press Bureau.
It held that even the Naga Hospital, Kohima and District Hospital, Dimapur (designated as COVID hospitals) lacks the required facilities.
Reminding that it has been over a year since COVID-19 hit globally, it said that the government should have geared by now “even if it could not tackle in the initial period of the outbreak of the pandemic.”
Further accusing the government of lack of sense of direction even after experiencing the first wave, it said that the “basic and immediate requirements” be provided in all government-run health facilities without delay.
According to NPF, the government should have taken all possible steps after experiencing the first wave rather than running from pillar to post without any sense of direction to contain the pandemic.
“It is indeed unethical on the part of the present government to keep extending the lockdown without any relief measures for its citizens, especially the daily wage earners. The Party is of the view that lockdown can be enforced if at all required but it should not be for a very long duration.”
It also asked the government to look into the welfare of the medical fraternity and the citizens living below poverty line.
The release further listed “basic & immediate requirements” by all government-run health facilities in Phek, Longleng, Peren, Zunheboto, Noklak, Tuensang, Kiphire, Mon, Wokha and Mokokchung.
The list of needs included consumables like PPEs, oxygen cylinders and regulators, TrueNat machines along with cartridges, RAT kits, pulse oximeters and even sanitizers. It also pointed out the need for ICU beds in Phek, Longleng and Peren.
It called for installing diagnostic equipments like x-ray and CT scan machines in almost all the district COVID Hospital, besides acquiring an ambulance for the PHC in Athibung.
An Auto Analysis Bio-Chemistry Machine, which, it said, was “redeployed to Dimapur District Hospital” was urgently required at Tuensang COVID Hospital.
Besides shortage of doctors and nurse in Peren and Tening, Kiphire and Mon, oxygen concentrators were said to be required in Phek COVID Hospital, Meluri, Pfutsero, Chozuba and Longleng.
