As assigned by the state government to review the steps being taken to manage COVID-19 pandemic at district level, senior administrative officers along with a senior officer from the health & family welfare (H&FW) department visited districts and held meetings with the District Task Forces (DTFs).
DTF Dmu asked to implement ‘test-track-treat-vaccinate’ strategy
Secretary PHE, Kesonyu Yhome, who is also the nodal officer for COVID-19 management towards various activities relating to COVID-19 in Dimapur district convened a review meeting with Dimapur District Task Force (DTF) in the conference hall of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dimapur on August 20.
According to a DIPR report, after reviewing the current status in the district which was presented by chief medical officer (CMO) Dimapur, Kesonyu urged the DTF to focus on areas where vaccine coverage was still comparatively low, so that appropriate steps could be initiated.
He lauded DTF Dimapur for handling the situation effectively in the district and acknowledged civil societies for their contribution towards better management of COVID-19 in the district.
Kesonyu impressed upon the DTF to ensuring vaccination of all the eligible persons in the district and to effectively handle medical needs related to COVID-19.
Speaking at the programme, joint director, health and family welfare (H&FW) and medical officer for Dimapur COVID-19, Dr. Tiasunep stressed on the importance of information, education and communication for countering misconceptions and vaccine hesitancy among the public.
He requested DTF to assisting the surveillance team for effective contact tracing and implementation of test-track-treat-vaccinate strategy.
While giving a brief report on COVID-19 management, DC Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan assured that all possible efforts were being made for handling any situation in the district.
DC also requested 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 responsible administrative officers.
Jaiswal stresses on contact tracing, strengthened monitoring in Mkg
A review meeting on COVID-19 status of Mokokchung district was held on August 20 at the conference hall of the ADC along with state nodal officer on COVID-19. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of DC & chairman DTF, Mokokchung.
Addressing the gathering, joint secretary, agriculture and state level monitoring team COVID-19, Sachin Jaiswal lauded the efforts of DTF Mokokchung on achieving good coverage of vaccination in the district.
He said the priority area should be COVID testing, strengthening of monitoring and contact tracing.
He also suggested to increase the average of contact tracing and added that efforts could be made to achieve 100% vaccination for villages that have achieved 90%. For low vaccine coverage area below 50% the DTF was encourage to put more effort.
Joint director, H&FW and state level monitoring team, Dr. Kika Longkumer stressed on the importance for monitoring patients under home isolation and timely testing/treatment.
He also called for intensive contact tracing of all positive cases to halt the spread.
CMO Mokokchung, Dr. Chubala Aier said that the department was doing its best to improve the overall activity.
The meeting was followed by discussion where participants shared doubts and problems faced during their duties. The state level monitoring team visited COVID Care Centre (CCC) district hospital and COVID Hospital.
Shanavas lauds Zbto’s common effort in the fight against COVID-19
Principal director, school education and member of the state task force, war room, Shanavas C, who is in charge of Zunheboto district held a meeting and interacted with DTF Zunheboto, administrative officers, Sumi Hoho and other leaders on August 20.
According to a DIPR report, PD was accompanied by deputy director, H&FW, Dr. Nitovi Shikhu.
During the meeting, Shanavas while acknowledging DTF Zunheboto said that the war room has been monitoring every district closely.
In this regard, he said that Zunheboto district had the credit of a well organised team in the DTF, properly administered medical team under CMO and MS with innovative strategies, creating awareness on vaccination, proper health care of the covid patients, etc.
Shanavas upon discussion acknowledged that it appeared quite satisfactory. The team also visited CHC Akuluto and district hospital Zunheboto.
DC and chairman DTF, Peter Lichamo briefed the visiting team of the current situation in the district and suggested possible changes required in reporting systems.
Detailed report on strategies and policies of vaccination, numbers of vaccinated and non-vaccinated beneficiaries, aims and targets of the DTF and departments, etc., were presented by DSO, Dr. Hokugha Sema, DTO & in-charge of vaccination Dr. Aron Muru and senior medical officer Dr. K Shikato Sema.
State level monitoring team visits Peren
The state level monitoring team of COVID-19 led by Mohammad Ali with senior official from health and family welfare department convened a meeting at Peren town hall on August 20.
Ali emphasised on the need for testing, tracking, treatment and vaccination and appealed the healthcare workers to monitor the entire activity of the district.
He asked them to share their views and suggestions and sought for their support and cooperation.
Deputy CMO, Dr. Thomas gave a PowerPoint presentation on COVID-19 patient diagnosis, treatment, vaccination, sensitisation 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 team during its four-day visit is scheduled to visit district hospital Peren, Peletkie village, meeting with the BTF/ SDTF Athibung, Samzuiram sub-health centre, PHC Heningkunglwa, visit COVID hospital and CCC Jalukie.
The task forces from different blocks also shared that many did not come forward for vaccination due to rumors on social media. In this regard, Church leaders and womenfolk were urged to educate the people.
Govt officials, DTF Kiphire review COVID situation
Commissioner & secretary, rural development, Neposo Theluo along with medical team led by deputy director visited Kiphire and held a meeting with DTF Kiphire in the conference hall of DPDB Kiphire on August 19.
According to a DIPR report, deputy commissioner and chairman DTF, Kiphire, T. Wati Aier, who chaired the meeting, said that the medical team and DTF Kiphire were working tirelessly in combating the pandemic and that DTF had set up Covid care and medical centres in the district.
He said that out of 74,000 population, only 11,750 were vaccinated excluding the frontline workers. In this regard, he lamented that people of the district were reluctant to get vaccinated, especially in villages.
Speaking at the meeting, commissioner & secretary, Neposo Theluo lauded DTF Kiphire for their sacrifices and contribution during the pandemic.
Neposo stated that the state government was ready to help NGOs and DTF in extending support to the district.
CMO Kiphire Motsuthung informed that during the Independence Day celebration, seven villages were awarded for achieving 100% vaccination.
He lamented that people were not coming forward to get vaccinated and because of that, not one person had been vaccinated in eight villages.
During the meeting, the team had a discussion with tribal Hohos, church and student leaders and NGOs on the various agendas.
On reluctance of the people, church leaders were entrusted to create awareness on the benefits of vaccination; to enhance COVID-19 fund for Kiphire aspirational district.
It also discussed the requirement of one gynaecology doctor and X-ray lab technician; on shortage of doctors and nurses in district hospital Kiphire, the higher authority was requested to solve the problem at the earliest.
DTF Kiphire also decided to resume classes for XI and XII following the state government SOPs strictly with 50% attendance and online classes would continue till class X.