COVID-19: YFPHR writes to CM for augmenting manpower, resources at quarantine centres
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 03 2020:
Youth Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR) has written to Chief Minister, N Biren seeking improvement in the functioning of the institutional quarantine centres as a measure to combat COVID-19 crisis in the State.
While lauding the Government for the steps being taken up to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the forum sought intervention considering the difficulties being faced by the healthcare workers, volunteers, district administrations, security forces etc.
In its letter, YFPHR urged the State Government to increase the number of healthcare workers which include doctors, nurses and caretakers so as no overtime work is allotted to the frontliners and stress and unwanted health problems are also avoided.
The issue can be curbed by engaging more healthcare workers on contract basis and it will immensely contribute ia the fight against the dreaded disease, the forum said.
The forum also asked the Government to prioritize testing of returnees who are lactating mother, pregnant women, differently abled persons and those who are undergoing treatment or living on live savings drugs while urging the latter to provide sufficient nutritional food for children being kept at quarantine centres by assigning more care takers.
YFPHR also asked the State Government to effectively sensitize all communities about the dos and don'ts to combat COVID-19 using their local dialects.
The forum also expressed concern that some community opposed or resent setting up quarantine centres in their locality owing to lack of awareness while seeking permission to enable the forum join hands and raise awareness.
While asking the Government to make personal hygiene materials sufficiently available to the quarantined women, the forum requested the State Government to sanction adequate amount of fund to air the districts for proper management and functioning of the institutional quarantine centres, which are lacking manpower and staff.
YFPHR also urged the State Government to ensure healthcare workers, security personnel and other care workers at various quarantine centres and entry points get sufficient protective gears besides other facilities.
The forum also urged the Government to increase testing equipment in the State and prioritize test for those in the containment zone.