By Anup Biswas

Haflong  :To take stock of Covid situation and the preparedness in Dima Hasao Assam Health & Family welfare etc. Minister Keshav Mahanta visited Haflong Civil Hospital and Maibang Community Health Center on Tuesday.

He was accompanied by local MLA Nandita Gorlosa, North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, CEM, Debolal Gorlosa, NCHAC, Executive Member incharge of Medical, Samuel Changsan, Principal Secretary to Govt of Assam, Health, Anurag Goel, IAS, Dy, Secy Health & Family Welfare, Kamaljit Talukdar, Director of Health Services, Dr. Rabindra Bhuyan, Addl Director, Health Services, Dr. Timung, Dima Hasao Deputy Commissioner, Paul Barua, ACS, NCHAC, Principal Secy., L Z Nampui, ACS, Superintendent of Police, Jayant Singh, IPS

Briefing about the facilities available in Haflong Civil hospitals like 13 numbers of testing centers, bed capacities currently available at isolation ward, four numbers of covid care centers, status of oxygen supply and other logistics, Joint Director of Medical & Health Services, Dr. Dipali Barman along with Medical EM, Samuel Changsan put forward the memo seeking for support required in the district in regards to facilities while tackling the pandemic COVID-19.

The Health Minister ensured for completion of the 11 bed ICU ward at Haflong Civil Hospital within 25th June, construction for which is in full swing. He also stated regarding the on-going construction of Pediatrics Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with 10 beds facility including recovery ward that will provide the highest level of nursing care and continuous medical monitoring of child.

The Minister also addressed the issue regarding requirement of medical officers and staff strength urged by the council, for managing quality health service in Dima Hasao and also in the recently increased beds at Haflong Civil Hospital from 100 to 200. He is hopeful that in consultation with the Assam Chief Minister and discrete plan, the shortage of manpower and medical officers will be worked out not just in this district but in other districts too.   

He also discussed about the prevailing challenges of hesitation faced by the medical team during vaccination campaigns esp.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 awareness purpose.

Some challenges faced by the medical department due to frequent power cut at the hospital area was also placed by the Council Secretary, Health, TT Daulagupu, to which Principal Secretary Anurag Goel responded with immediate action by conveying the grievance to concerned authority at Dispur over phone. It is to be noted that necessary steps for a hot line connection at Haflong Civil Hospital was written to APDCL but  without any result so far, thus causing massive problem in hospital functioning.

Others present during the meeting were EMs Nepolal Hojai, Paudeming Newme, Golonjo Thaosen, MACs Ratan Jarambusa, Nojit Kemprai, Addl SP, Indrajit Baruah, ADC L Khiengte and other officials from both council and district administration.