Will not compromise with frontline workers’ safety, PPE to be vetted by experts: CM
ITANAGAR, Mar 26: Tomo Riba Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) in Naharlagun has been designated as ‘Covid-19 hospital’ to deal with all cases related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu announced the decision during a meeting he convened with the state’s task force for Covid-19 here on Thursday. Officials of TRIHMS and the health department participated in the meeting.
The CM suggested that other hospitals in the capital, such as RK Mission Hospital here, take over the responsibility of handling routine health issues of the people.
He said while it is encouraging to note that not a single Covid-19 positive case has been detected in the state yet, it would not do to be complacent.
“Everybody, especially the health department, has to remain on their toes for any eventuality,” Khandu said.
“We have to be well-prepared for any kind of mass outbreak of the disease, which has no cure yet, and put all our resources to tackle any kind of emergency situation. Therefore, it is but necessary for us to have a separate hospital with adequate facilities to deal with the pandemic,” he said.
The CM requested the TRIHMS authority to share the institute’s manpower and expertise in the fight against Covid-19.
Expressing grave concern over the supplying of poor quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to the doctors and health workers, Khandu said those PPE have been withdrawn and the government has placed orders for fresh ones.
“We will not compromise with the safety of our frontline workers, and legal action has been initiated against the defaulters,” he said, and directed that all PPE consignments be vetted by a technical team before being disbursed to the health workers. This daily had earlier reported about the supply of poor quality PPE.
Appealing to the people not to panic but stay at home, the CM said the state government is in constant touch with its Assam counterpart and is ensuring free and on-time flow of essential commodities.
“As there’s no cure for the disease, prevention through social distancing is the only way out. I appeal to everyone to please take the lockdown seriously and stay at their homes. We will ensure that there is no scarcity of essential commodities,” Khandu said.
He also advised consumers and vendors to strictly observe physical distancing while trading in essential commodities.
Besides giving assurance that the government would provide all support to those who are being quarantined or are on self-quarantine, the chief minister urged the Arunachalee students stranded in different parts of the country not to panic.
“Instructions have been given to all resident commissioners and deputy resident commissioners to extend all possible help to such students as called for,” he said.
Meanwhile, the state government on Thursday sanctioned Rs 1000 as aid to all BPL card holders of the state. (CM’s PR Cell)
