Combating Corona: The Ethical Issues and Response

Manipur University, 23rd June 2021

The Research and Development Cell, Fit India Campaign Committee and Fit India Club, Manipur University, Canchipur jointly organised the One-day Online Conclave on Combating Corona: The Ethical Issues and Response on 23rd June 2021. Dr. Chandam Betholia, Research Officer EMMRC Manipur University hosted the programme.

The program was opened with a welcome address by Prof. S. Sanatombi Singha, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (i/c) Manipur University. In her address she welcomed all the participants including the distinguished Moderator of the Penal Discussion Dr. R.K. Nimai Singh, General Secretary Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch, and the learned Panel Speakers, Prof. G. Jitendra Sharma, Retd Professor (HAG) Department of Life Sciences, MU, Prof. Y. Mohen Singh, Chairman, Indian Red Cross Society, Manipur State Branch, Prof. S. Lokendrajit Singh, Retd Professor Department of Philosophy, MU, Dr. RK. Ranjan Singh, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Manipur, Dr. Palin Khundongbam, Chairman, Shija Hospital and Research Institute and Guest Panellist Prof. L. Sanjukumar Singh, HOD, Biotechnology MU and Dr. RK. Lenin Singh, Professor & Head, Department of Psychiatry, RIMS, Imphal. The Chairman of the Organising Committee Prof. L. Warjeet Singh delivered the Key Note address of the Conclave.

During the discussion Prof. G. Jitendra Sharma remarked that a continuous genomic surveillance is highly needed and enhanced of Vaccination rate as the State has geographical proximity with the Myanmar. Prof. Y. Mohen Singh expressed the positivity and death rate in Manipur is still high. It appears to be higher than the national level. Therefore we need to relook into Containment Policy.

Prof. S. Lokendrajit Singh emphasised on the establishment of dedicated hospital for virus and communicable diseases and also needed a Research Institute for Virology and Community diseases. In the same tune Dr. R.K. Ranjan also shared the view of establishment of dedicated hospital for virus and communicable diseases and further he opined that people must aware and follow the SOPs and participate in the mass vaccination campaign.

Dr. Pallin Khundongbam further warned that the death rate is still high and he was very much concerned with Oxygen shortage that may come, and thereby we need to increase its production capacity. We cannot depend on external sources of oxygen; landslide and other calamities may hamper the transportation. Even in the family wearing mask has become essential due to the nature of the second wave. Further, he also pointed out the need for moral and psychological support to the health care workers and front line warriors. Private COVID vaccination plan which was stopped from May 1 is now ready to start.

Prof. Lisham Shanjukumar Singh provided scientific finding that the results of RT-PCR testing for detecting infection is more accurate and reliable than RAT and also suggested to increase facilitation of more testing centres and well trained staffs. Dr. RK Lenin spoke about to maintain confidentiality of the positive list.

It is very unfortunate that results are made viral in the social media. It is quite unethical. Need to check misinformation and fear mongering. Giving psychological counselling to the health care workers and front line warriors are need of the hour. Acceptance and preparedness in the mind of people are also necessary.

Dr. R.K Nimai as moderator summed up the entire session by referring to the fact that we have to self-introspect as to what we have gone wrong, and it needs timely rectification. He suggested for having a better life style for boosting immunity as preventive measures. He also urged for the proper observance of COVID-19 SOPs.

The consensus opinion of the panellist is to initiate a Collaborative Research Work to respond to any cases of pandemic in the future.

At the end of the Programme, the Vote of Thanks was proposed by the Dr. L. Bishwanath Sharma, the Convenor of the Conclave.

(Dr. L. Bishwanath Sharma)
Fit India Campaign Committee and
Fit India Club,
Manipur University, Canchipur