A CORRESPONDENT
HAFLONG: To take stock of the COVID situation and preparedness in Dima Hasao, State Health and Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta visited Haflong Civil Hospital and Maibang Community Health Centre on Tuesday.
He was accompanied by local MLA Nandita Gorlosa, North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, CEM, Debolal Gorlosa, NCHAC, Executive Member in-charge of Medical, Samuel Changsan, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam, Health, Anurag Goel, and other dignitaries.
Briefing about the facilities available in Haflong Civil Hospital like 13 testing centres, four COVID Care Centres, status of oxygen supply and other logistics, Joint Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. Dipali Barman, along with Medical EM, Samuel Changsan, put forward the memo seeking support for facilities to tackle the pandemic.
The Health Minister assured completion of the 11-bedded ICU ward at Haflong Civil Hospital within June 25, construction for which was going on in full swing. He also spoke about the ongoing construction of the Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with 10 beds facility, including recovery ward, that would provide the highest level of nursing care and continuous medical monitoring of children.
The minister also addressed the issue regarding requirement of medical officers and staff for providing quality health service in Dima Hasao. He expressed hope that in consultation with the Chief Minister and with a discrete plan, the shortage of manpower and medical officers would be worked out, not just in this district but in other districts too.
He also discussed the challenges faced by the medical team during vaccination campaigns especially in rural areas. Advising both the council and district administration to work hand in hand as a team, minister Keshab Mahanta asked them to approach the people with the help of public representative leaders as well as administrative officials for generating awareness.
Some challenges faced by the medical department due to frequent power cuts in the hospital area were also placed by the Council Secretary, Health, TT Daulagupu, to which Principal Secretary Anurag Goel responded with immediate action by conveying the grievance to the authority concerned at Dispur over phone. APDCL had been approached to take necessary steps for a hotline connection at Haflong Civil Hospital but so far no such steps have been taken, thus causing a lot of problem in the functioning of the hospital.