DCs, CMOs advised to intensify vaccination
Will not allow detractors to sabotage the collective fight against the pandemic: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Thoubal, May 31 2021: Chief minister N Biren Singh inaugurated a PSA Oxygen Plant having a capacity of 100 LPM at Thoubal District Hospital complex on Monday and reviewed the Covid-19 situation in Thoubal and Kakching districts in a joint meeting held at DC Office complex, Thoubal.

It was the third oxygen plant which has been made operational in less than a week in the state.

After patiently listening to the observations made by attendees during the joint meeting, CM Biren minister stated that testing in the state had been considerably increased in the past couple of days to ensure early detection and treatment.

Observing that the people should not panic over the possible jump in the number of positive cases as increase in the number of samples tested would inevitably detect more positive cases, he also called upon the media to carry the number of tested samples and recovered patients as well while reporting.

Regarding casualties from Covid-19, the chief minister clarified that most of the deaths were due to comorbidities and affirmed that the government had been putting in all possible efforts to save every single life.

Cautioning that self-treatment at homes without sharing necessary information to the authority concerned or consulting with doctors may prove fatal, the chief minister reasoned that apprehension over self-treatment or medication is the main reason for the government to request all concerned not to donate equipment like pulse oximeters, oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and ventilators to the patients directly.

He further informed that apart from adding 10 more ICU beds with ventilators at Thoubal District Hospital, the government would also look into the requirement of more anaesthetists and physicians.

Regarding Kakching district, he stated that as it is a new district and lacks healthcare infrastructure and manpower, the health authority of Thoubal district should extend cooperation to the Kakching district administration in tackling the pandemic.

He also said that jurisdictional issues should never be a hindrance in giving timely treatment and saving people's lives at this critical juncture.

N Biren Singh also directed the DCs and CMOs of the two districts to intensify vaccination and stressed the need for opening a Covid Care Centre at Lilong area.

Directing the DCs to form district teams for cremation of COVID-19 victims, he also iterated that the charges should be borne by the district administration as the expenses incurred would be reimbursed by the state government later.

The chief minister also advised the district administration to look for private agencies which can provide catering service at Covid Care Centres with patients bearing their charges on their own.

Appreciating doctors and nurses fighting the pandemic directly, CM Biren stated that the battle against the infectious pandemic will not be an easy task as the virus is a new one.

He also conceded that the government is fully aware that it will face negative criticisms in fighting the pandemic but will not allow the detractors to sabotage the collective fight against the pandemic.

Maintaining that it is not the time for negative propaganda, Biren observed that unnecessary criticism and blame game should always be avoided.

With the dedicated efforts of MLAs, government officials and the general public, the state now has enough stock of medical oxygen and other necessary equipment, he informed while maintaining that the government is doing everything by hearing suggestions and feedbacks from MLAs, medical experts, scholars, CSOs and the general public.

During the review meeting, MLAs and CSO highlighted their grievances and inconveniences to the chief minister.

Wangkem MLA K Meghachandra stressed the need for setting up two Community Home Isolation Centres in the constituency due to the increasing number of Covid-19 positive cases and urged the chief minister to restrict home isolation as it abets transmission of the virus.

Expressing his views, Heirok MLA Th Rad- heshyam called for conducting mass awareness programme on Covid vaccination as people in rural areas hesitate from taking the vaccine due to misconception.

Pointing out that areas under Wabagai constituency fall in both Kakching and Thoubal districts, MLA Fajur Rahim contended that CMOs of the two districts shirk their responsibilities when positive patients of the constituency try to seek admission to hospital.

He drew the attention of the government to look into the matter.

Representative of CSO, Thou- bal Apunba Lup vice president AK Sanjoy urged the government for extending aid to the helpless families of Covid positive patients.

In his presentation, Khang- abok MLA O Surajkumar informed that lack of anaesthetists and physicians in Thoubal district hospital has made the ventilators useless.

He urged the chief minister to look into the matter and address the inconveniences faced by the people at the earliest possible.

Education minister S Rajen, agriculture minister O Lukhoi, advisor to CM (Health) Dr S Ranjan, MLAs M Rameshwar, Y Antaz Khan and P Brojen, principal secretary (Health) V Vumlunmang, secretary to CM N Geoffrey, DCs, SPs, CMOs, Health Department officials and CSO representatives of the two districts also attended the review meeting.

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