• NET Web Desk

The availability of an effective medical infrastructure and the continuous supply of medical oxygen is critical for authorities and medical fraternities, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this scenario stands to be someway different in the Wokha district of Nagaland.

According to a DIPR report, the Oxygen Plant at Dr. Motsuo Memorial District Hospital, which was installed on October 21, remained inoperable due to a power outage.

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Wokha, Dr. Tumchobeni Kikon raised the issue during a monthly District Planning & Development Board (DPDB) meeting on Thursday while presenting the COVID-19 scenario report, and requested immediate intervention from the concerned Board.

The DC stated that despite repeated efforts from the Wokha DPDB and COVID-19 District Task Force (DTF), the installation of a separate transformer for the hospital remained unsuccessful.

It has also requested that the concerned department install the same as soon as possible, as various health care equipment/facilities installed at the hospital have become non-functional.

Meanwhile, the District Hospital, in a briefing on the COVID-19 preparedness status, stated that the hospital currently has 10 Intensive Care Units (ICUs), 4 Isolation Units, and 9 beds.

The CMO also requested everyone involved to “spread awareness and encourage and motivate public to get vaccinated as the department will be conducting colony-wise vaccination drive from next week.” – the DIPR report further reads.

During the meeting, chaired by Vice Chairman DPDB & DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha, the board also recommended the registration of society – NNM Foundation, Pangti Village “for consideration to higher authority”.