Advisor Horticulture and Border Affairs, Mhathung Yanthan along with Deputy Commissioner, Wokha Orenthung Lotha NCS and CMO, Wokha held a consultative meeting on Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) with the Block Task Force, Bhandari (BTF) at the Community Health Centre (CHC) Bhandari on 01.04.2020 to take stock of the COVID-19 situation and to discuss pertinent issues relating to it in order to step up effort to contain and prevent its entry into Wokha district.
Speaking on the status of preparedness and activities undertaken within the sub-division, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhandari, Tiameren Chang apprised that the Block Task Force is doing all it can to ensure public health safety by utilizing every resources it has to keep the virus at bay. He also apprised that the quarantine ward set up at 7th NAP hospital has been provided with basic facilities including two sets of PPE for the time being and further stated that a proposal has been send to concerned higher authority for supply of required materials which is being awaited for arrival.
Highlighting on the need of additional manpower under CHC Bhandari, Dr. Lawrence MO I/C informed that 5 SDRF trained personnel from Bhandari and some personnel from 7th NAP Bhandari have volunteered to assist the medical team to intensify screening and disinfecting vehicles passing through the Police check gate, Bhandari, towards Wokha district.
Lauding the Bhandari block as a formidable team against COVID-19 pandemic even with limited resources, Mhathung Yanthan Advisor, Horticulture and Border affairs Government of Nagaland, encouraged them to continue to co-ordinate and cooperate with each other to achieve its target of allowing a zero entry or spreading of the virus among the people. Observing that Bhandari block is manning a porous cross border area he stressed on the need to take extra care in sealing off the border to ensure total safety and called for continuous effort from all teams concerned.
He also told the medical team not to hesitate in approaching the higher authority to provide them all essential materials which they require in order to equip them to fight against the pandemic more effectively.
To gap the shortage of manpower, he emphasized that retired doctors, nurses and other competent persons can be invited to volunteer during a crisis period and encouraged the block to sought their service. He also donated Rs.50,000/- to the medical team to meet exigency expenses.
Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Orenthung Lotha NCS, expressed gratitude to the advisor for his visit when the block was working under pressure due to shortage of resources and manpower. DC also assured that the district administration will do its best to provide the requirements of the block on priority basis as it is placed in a vulnerable area and help them deliver best services to the people in the sub division and the district.
After the meeting the team visited the quarantine and isolation wards and other infrastructures to take first hand assessment of preparedness under CHC Bhandari. They also visited the police check gate where thermal screening is being conducted by medical team in the presence of police on duty. Materials such as Mask, gloves and hand sanitizers were also given to the block.
Earlier in the day the Advisor and his team also made a stopover at Sanis block on way to Bhandari.
(APRO, Bhandari)
