State Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) minister, S. Pangnyu Phom, Thursday admitted lack of facilities in all the hospitals across the state to combat COVID-19.
According to a DIPR report, the minister said this during a review meeting with the government officers and NGO leaders of Longleng district at DC office complex on April 30, 2020.
Pangnyu pointed out that COVID-19 pandemic was a wakeup call for the department and health care workers to be well prepared and equipped with advanced health care facilities to combat with such pandemic in the future.
He also informed that the Centre has approved the upgradation of the present district hospital Longleng with CHC status to full-fledged district hospital. The minister assured that the problems of the hospital would be taken into consideration after holding a meeting in Kohima.
Stating that government committed to saving lives of everyone in Nagaland, Pangnyu called upon the people to maintain peaceful law and order in the district.
Stating that current COVID-19 situation was like battling with invisible enemy, the health minister has, therefore, appealed to the people to be more cautious and take precautionary measures even after the lockdown was lifted.
The minister expressed gratitude to the frontline workers such as the medical department, the district administration, police, media, Churches, NGOs and civil society organisations for joining hands and working together to combat with COVID-19. He sought cooperation and support from all responsible in the future also. He particularly appealed to the doctors, nurses and health workers to be mentally prepared and be practical in their assignment.
During his visit, the minister also inspected COVID-19 hospital, quarantine site at Phom Lempong School and makeshift hospital at Government Higher Secondary School.
Advisor Imnatiba, BS Nganlang MLA, DC Longleng, CMO Longleng, Medical Superintendent District hospital Longleng, presidents of Phom Peoples’ Council and Phom Students’ Conference also spoke at the meeting.
Later, the team departed for Tamlu and visited hospital and Quarantine centre at GHS Tamlu and held meeting with district administration, doctors, nurses, NGOs and civil societies at Tamlu.