Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, Secretary, PHE addressing the review meeting with Dimapur District Task Force at Deputy Commissioner’s conference hall, Dimapur on August 20. (DIPR Photo)
State level monitoring team of COVID-19 holds review meetings
Dimapur, August 20 (MExN): During the last few days, several meetings were conducted in different districts of Nagaland to review the management of various activities relating to COVID-19. Vaccine hesitancy amongst the public and low vaccine coverage were the common concerns shared during the interactions held with the health workers and stakeholders.
Dimapur: Kesonyu Yhome, IAS, Secretary, PHE and the Nodal Officer for COVID-19 management towards various activities relating to COVID-19 in Dimapur district held a review meeting with Dimapur District Task Force in Dimapur on August 20.
According to a DIPR report, after reviewing the current status of COVID-19 in the district which was presented by CMO Dimapur, Yhome urged to focus on areas where vaccine coverage was still comparatively low, so that appropriate steps could be initiated. He impressed the DTF for ensuring vaccination of all the eligible persons in the district and for effectively handling all medical needs relating to COVID-19.
Dr Tiasunep, Joint Director, H&FW stressed on the importance of information, education and communication for countering misconceptions and vaccine hesitancy amongst the public. He requested DTF for assisting the Surveillance Team for effective contact tracing and implementation if Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate strategy.
DC Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan IAS, gave a brief report on COVID-19 management in Dimapur District. He requested the CMO Dimapur to identify areas of concern with regard to low vaccine coverage and to frame an action plan for addressing gaps in coordination with the concern administrative officers.
Peren: State level monitoring team of COVID-19 led by Mohammad Ali, IAS with senior official from Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW) visited Peren from August 20-23.
A meeting was convened in Peren on August 20 where Ali emphasized on the need for testing, tracking, treatment and vaccination and appealed to the healthcare workers to monitor the entire activities of the district.
Deputy CMO, Dr Thomas made a presentation on COVID-19 patient diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, sensitization of pandemic and statistics reports of the district. The meeting was attended by Sub-division Task Force of COVID-19 from Peren and Tening with District COVID-19 vaccination committee, representative from all faith based organisations and GBs.
The Task Forces from different blocks also had an interaction with the team where they shared their experiences and grassroots situation. The members said many people did not come forward for vaccination due to rumours on social media. Church leaders and womenfolk were urged to educate the people in a positive way.
Zunheboto: Principal Director, School Education and member of the State Task Force, War Room, Shanavas C in-charge of Zunheboto district, accompanied by DoHFW Deputy Director Dr Nitovi Shikhu, visited Zunheboto on August 20 and held a meeting and interaction with DTF Zunheboto, administrative officers, Sumi Hoho and others involved in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shanavas said that the common effort in resistance against the pandemic by Zunheboto district is commendable. He stated the purpose of the visit was to take stock of the situation at the district and upon discussion it appeared quite satisfactory.
Chairing the programme, DC and chairman DTF, Peter Lichamo briefed the team on the current situation at the district and suggested on possible changes required in reporting systems for the districts.
Detailed report on the strategies and policies of vaccination, numbers of vaccinated and non-vaccinated beneficiaries, aims and targets of the DTF and departments, immediate requirements of DTF, departments and hospital for tackling the other anticipated waves of the pandemic, etc were presented by District Surveillance Officer, Dr Hokugha Sema, DTO and in-charge of vaccination Dr Aron Muru and Senior Medical Officer, Dr K Shikato Sema.
The team also visited CHC, Akuluto and District Hospital, Zunheboto.
Mokokchung: A review meeting on COVID-19 status of Mokokchung district with the state Nodal Officer on COVID-19 was held on August 20 held under the chairmanship of DC & chairman DTF, Mokokchung.
Addressing the gathering, Joint Secretary, Agriculture and state level monitoring team COVID-19, Sachin Jaiswal said that their purpose of visit is to support and assess problems related to COVID-19 and its management. While discussing the COVID status Jaiswal said, the priority area should be COVID testing, strengthening of monitoring and contact tracing. He suggested to increase the average of contact tracing and added that efforts can be made to achieve 100% vaccination for those villages who have achieve 90% for low vaccine coverage area below 50% the district Task Force was encourage to put more effort.
Joint Director, DoHFW and State Level Monitoring team, Dr Kika Longkumer stressed on the importance for monitoring of patients under home isolation and timely testing/treatment. He called for intensive contact tracing for all positive cases, to halt the spread of the pandemic. The district activities on COVID were shared by CMO Mokokchung, Dr Chubala Aier. The meeting was followed by discussion where the participants shared doubts and problems faced during their COVID related activity/duties.
The team also visited the COVID Care Centre District Hospital and COVID Hospital.
Kiphire: Commissioner & Secretary, Rural Development, Neposo Theluo along with Medical Team led by the Deputy Director visited Kiphire on August 19. A meeting was held which was chaired by DC and chairman DTF, Kiphire, T Wati Aier.
The DC stated that the DTF has set up Covid care and medical centres in the District while deciding to award cash to 100% vaccinated villages and CHCs. He said that out of 74,000 populations, only 11,750 are vaccinated excluding the frontline workers. He lamented that people of the district are reluctant to take vaccine especially in villages.
Theluo informed that their main purpose of visiting the District is to review and check out how the DTF Kiphire is preparing in the fight against the pandemic and to see the requirements in the District. He appealed to everyone to get vaccinated as it is the only way to prevent from the occurrence of third wave.
CMO Kiphire, Motsuthung stated that the medical team is conducting special vaccination camp and random testing from time to time at Kiphire Town and the villages. He informed that during the Independence Day celebration, seven villages were awarded for securing 100% vaccination. He lamented that people are not coming forward to get vaccinated and because of that, not even a single person has been vaccinated in eight villages.
The team also conducted discussion with Tribal Hohos, church and student leaders and NGOs. On the reluctance of the people to get vaccine, church leaders have been entrusted to create awareness on the benefits of vaccination. To enhance the COVID-19 fund for Kiphire Aspirational District and need of one gynecology Doctor and X- ray lab Technician were discussed. Shortage of Doctors and nurses in District Hospital Kiphire, higher authority has been requested to solve the problem at the earliest.
The DTF Kiphire also decided to reopen for class 11 and 12 following the state Government SOPs strictly with 50% attendance and online classes will continue till class 10.
