Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Paiwang Konyak convened an urgent coordination meeting on August 21, 2023, at the DC's Conference Hall Mon. The purpose of the meeting was to address several pressing issues, including the escalating cases of Dengue, Scrub Typhus, Conjunctivitis, and broader concerns such as the fight against drug abuse, maintenance of law and order, and road infrastructure.
During the comprehensive discussions, Paiwang emphasized the need for extraordinary efforts, collaborative manpower, and collective action to address and resolve these pressing issues. He particularly highlighted the alarming rise in cases of Scrub Typhus and Dengue in Mon. He pointed out that Scrub Typhus is curable at its initial stages, but Dengue has no specific medicine, and treatment is based solely on symptoms such as severe vomiting and headache. The increasing cases of Dengue are severe, requiring manpower, blood transfusions, and medical equipment to contain. If not managed promptly, there is a high risk of rapid spread. Hence, collective decisions and appropriate measures were deemed necessary to protect the population from the dangers of Dengue. Paiwang stressed the importance of sanitation programs, including mass social initiatives and regular waste collection, to combat Dengue. He called upon the district administration to communicate directives through NGOs and church bodies.
Apart from Dengue and Scrub Typhus, Conjunctivitis has become a contagious disease of concern, particularly affecting Tizit and the Mon area. It was decided, with the consent of those present, to grant schools a one-week holiday to contain the spread of Conjunctivitis. In response to these diseases, Paiwang requested assistance from the AR, Red Cross, and NGOs in providing volunteers to support nurses and doctors in managing the situation.
Regarding the war against drugs, Paiwang reminded attendees of the pledge taken by citizens on August 15th and inquired about the steps needed to fulfill that pledge. He noted that these drugs were not locally manufactured but imported, making it crucial to thoroughly inspect and curb their infiltration at border areas. He urged NGOs, district administrations, and the defense sector to cooperate effectively and avoid repetitions of past incidents, such as the one in Tizit.
Additionally, Paiwang proposed a rehabilitation program for government servants addicted to drugs, allowing them three to four months to recover. He emphasized the importance of scrutinizing all borders, constructing rehabilitation centers, and conducting blood tests on inmates to prevent the spread of diseases like AIDS and HIV.
Addressing concerns related to law and order, Paiwang advocated for strict actions against the disruption of law and order. To enhance security, he proposed the installation of CCTV cameras in all border and sensitive areas to improve surveillance.
On the topic of road infrastructure, Paiwang called for coordinated efforts between the departments responsible for National Highways (NH) and town roads under the Roads & Buildings (R&B) department. He requested these departments to expedite road repairs both within the town and on the NH. Additionally, he urged the deployment of more JCBs and laborers to address road damage and blockages during the rainy season.
The meeting was presided over by DC Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, with Tingthoak, President of KU, invoking a spiritual presence at its commencement. The event saw the participation of various dignitaries, including DPRO, AR, KU, KNSK, KSU, ADC, SDO (Civil), EAC, CMO, ADC, SDO (Civil), AR, and several others, who presented their reports in line with the requirements of the Health and Family Welfare Minister.
(DPRO Mon)
