Media sensitisation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 25 2020:
As COVID-19 cases surged past the 1000 mark in the State, National Health Mission and Directorate of Health Services jointly organised a media sensitisation programme on COVID-19 at Indian Medical Association's Heritage Hall at Lamphel today.
Concerned with misconception and rumours regarding the disease, Additional Director (Health) and COVID-19 Common Control Room spokesperson, Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang said that the public should have proper knowledge of the disease to effectively avoid contracting the virus.
Even when all have some basic knowledge about the disease, there are certain misconceptions among the public about the disease that may have negative impact on the efforts being taken up to control the disease.
For example, when Manipur had the first two cases, many bought hydroxychloroquine tablets believing it can cure COVID-19, he said emphasising that all medicine taken without prescription is dangerous and may prove fatal.
Media which is disseminating information to the public has a very important role to play amid the pandemic.
They have to disseminate the right and verified information to root out such misconceptions and rumours, he said.
"On the other hand, for fear of the disease, several localities across the State had erected bamboo fences banning entry of outsiders when the State had only one or two cases.
Now, when the State has more than 900 cases, they seem to be more relaxed instead of taking the preventive and precautionary measures seriously," he said.
Even though all the cases are returnees who were under quarantine, all should take the disease seriously and follow the COVID-19 safety protocol.
"If we are not careful, the cases may rise and explode like in USA and Spain," he added.
The event also saw interaction between healthcare experts and media persons.