DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 1 (MExN): The Nagaland Department of Health and Family Welfare today stated that the State Government “has stepped up with all resources at its command in the fight against the COVID 19 pandemic.”
This was stated in a press release from the State Health Department in response to reports that shortage of funds and equipment are hindering the department.
It however conceded that there was a temporary shortfall of RAT kits, adding that this issue was “promptly addressed.” The department said that at present 7300 RAT kits are available in stock. It informed that under the State Disaster Response Fund, the Home Department has already placed orders for additional 50,000 RAT kits, 25,000 of which will reach the state by November 3 and rest immediately after Diwali.
“In order to avoid such temporary shortages due to cash flow or other issues, the Cabinet in its meeting on October 26 decided to constitute a committee of senior officers including Finance Commissioner, Principal Secretary (H&FW) to be headed by Chief Secretary which shall provide expeditious approvals to the proposals of the Health Department,” the press release said.
The department claimed that as “per records ascertained from the accounts section of the Health Department,” at present Rs 3.58 Cr is available under the state budget for procurement of medicines and other essentials by the department. It further stated that there is provision of Rs 53.77 Cr under ECRP-II for health infrastructure strengthening and COVID 19 preparedness by the department.
“Therefore there is no shortage of funds available with the department in its fight against COVID 19 pandemic. There is adequate availability of drugs, oxygen and other inputs required for treatment of COVID 19 patients,” the department said. It added that the availability of all materials is “regularly reviewed for timely action.”
It further informed that the department has temporarily engaged doctors, nurses, research scientists, lab technicians, ECG & X Ray technicians to tackle the COVID 19 pandemic. For Group C posts such as ANMs, the department has temporarily engaged personnel for a period of one year to address the gaps. The department reasoned that there is no shortage of doctors, and other clinical and essential staff to fight the COVID 19 pandemic.
