TR Zeliang takes stock of COVID-19 preparedness in Peren

TR Zeliang interacts with medical staff, District Administration and NGOs at CHC Jalukie on April 20. (DIPR Photo)

Dimapur, April 20 (MExN): Leader of Opposition TR Zeliang today visited the designated COVID19 Hospital at Jalukie and the District Hospital Peren and held a review meeting with the District Administration, the Police, medical department, Food and Civil Supplies as well as representatives from Civil Societies and NGOs at Peren Town. 

Following the meeting, the Leader of Opposition issued a press release highlighting various issues related to COVID-19 preparedness in the district. “The designated COVID19 hospital at Jalukie is far from being ‘well-prepared’ to treat positive cases. From zero ventilators to non-existent ICU to poor quality of PPEs, the reality is nothing close to the claims made by the government,” the press release stated.

TR Zeliang noted that “the so called PPEs made available to the doctors and nurses in the hospital come under the label ‘HIV KIT’” and as such, sought clarification on whether the same has been made available to other hospitals in the State and if it is the standard PPE to be used to treat COVID19 symptomatic patients.

Stating that doctors and nurses are “our generals, who will lead and be at the front of this battle,” TR Zeliang maintained that they should not be poorly equipped. There should not be any distinction between districts as no district is corona virus proof, he added.

Zeliang also interacted with the apex tribal bodies and NGOs who have been assisting and helping the government agencies in keeping vigil during these challenging times. Given that daily wage earners and the weaker section of the society are most affected, the release stated that Zeliang took the opportunity to sensitise about various Central Government Schemes under National Food Security Act such as the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY), the Priority House Holds (PHH) and the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana. As such, Zeliang called upon the F&CS department to strictly implement the schemes so that the deserving beneficiaries are not deprived. Should there be any misuse or manipulation and shortages, the matter will be seriously pursued to unearth the malpractices and bring to justice the people responsible for the same, the release stated. 

Further, TR Zeliang called upon the government to give equal treatment to all districts and “take up the fight against COVID-19 with no ism and political colour.” The Opposition will continue to render unceasing support and for which the State Government is expected to take into consideration the positive suggestions that comes from every angle to work together as one, it said.