‘We’re all in this together’

Frontline workers on the ground facing multiple challenges
 

Morung Express News
Kohima | May 31


Lack of coordination and ‘communication gaps’ between the decision making body and those working at the ground level seem to be leading to haphazard management and decision making at quarantine centres in Kohima.


An official deputed at ground level spoke to The Morung Express and admitted that there is ‘lack of coordination and lots of communication gaps.' The officer however said that though the decisions are taken at the top, “We cannot blame anybody or even the higher-ups. Everybody is clueless on how to go the proper way in addressing this pandemic.”


Though things are improving, the official maintained that “as the numbers of the returnees are increasing, we should be in a better position to take more practical decisions to find solution,” while adding that the challenges are no more in accommodating people but on fighting community spread.


Stating that there are lots of struggles and challenges working on the ground, the official said “as the virus is evolving every day, we are faced with new situations and circumstances and we are getting to see firsthand of what is happening at the ground.”


“Managing the whole things is a big challenge and so there are lots of communication gaps happening,” said the official and pointed out that requisition of government employees was another challenge because of the ‘fear-psychosis.’ Everybody is fearful and not willing to work in the quarantine centres or go anywhere where the returnees are put up.


Although there are ‘loopholes and lapses,’ the official maintained that everybody is doing their best at all levels, and the few days’ experiences are a lesson for all towards better coordination, decision making and better communication.


On complaints made by boarders from various quarantine centres, the officer said “working on behalf of the government, I also feel sorry for the returnees who have travelled so many kilometres without proper food and sleep, and the facility that awaits them may not be the best. But we are also trying our best without proper food, rest and sleep, just to help them come home.”


“We can’t be angry at them for giving negative feedbacks. Experiences of both sides are different, and both sides have their own sides of stories to tell” added the officer.


Another official was perplexed with the continuous issue of directives and orders from different quarters, often leaving them baffled on which directives to follow. “This in turn leads to confusion in the decision making at the ground level as all the officials deputed at the ground are appointed from different quarters, and we ought to follow the directives that comes from our concern authority,” said the official


Weary and exasperated with the continuous work coupled with the numerous complaints from the boarders in the quarantine centers, the official opined “all must understand the difficult times that we all are going through. A little patience, understanding and compassion for each other at this point of time will do everyone good.”


“All those who have complaints with the facility and food at the QC can go to paid identified quarantine centres” the official stated matter-of-factly. “Just take a look at the deteriorating health of our fellow officers. There are times when we all want to leave our job and go home, but can we afford to do that? No. we are doing our best too. We must remember that we all are in this together and it isn’t easy either for us or for the boarders too.”