Indian Medical Association and Covid-19 Medical Operational Team hold meeting at Kamalanagar on Covid-19

Kamalanagar, 26 April, 2020: A team of three doctors from Covid-19 Medical Operational Team and Indian Medical Association held a meeting today at Kamalanagar with representatives of CHC, Chawngte, VLTFs of Kamalanagar and Chawngte town area and local NGO leaders. Dg. Lakkhan Chakma, Executive Member i/c Disaster Management represented CADC in the meeting. The meeting was chaired by Pu S. Kaptluanga, SDO(C), Chawngte.

The team came to assess the covid-19 situation in the sub-division and to sensitize the key people on Covid-19.

The doctors spoke on the importance of maintaining social distance, regular hand washing, wearing double layer mask, the role of mask and the various situations when use of full set of PPE (personal protective equipment) is required. It was recommended that the double layer cotton mask be discarded after 5 to 7 time of washing.

They said that wearing of hand gloves is not necessary for the common public and observed that it rather gives a false sense of security. They urged not to stigmatize the Covid-19 patients. For burial/cremation of Covid-19 dead bodies full set of PPE is not required.

It was also clarified on being asked that prophylactic (preventive) use of hydroxychloroquine can be dangerous.

The team was also asked if truck drivers entering Mizoram with essential goods are being tested or just screened. It has been clarified that only screening was done; however to ensure safety the guidelines requires the truck drivers stay inside the truck and return after unloading and have food outside the town/village.

The VLTFs were urged to allow the farmers to visit their farmlands as season for cultivation has arrived.

The team has brought masks and sanitizers for the area which were handed over to the SMO, Chawngte.

Dg. Lakkhan Chakma urged for the deployment of medical personnel at Longpuighat till the situation due to covid-19 gets better.

The SDO highlighted the various challenges of the area with respect to fighting the pandemic. He spoke on the very poor health facility in the sub-division and the need to deploy medical personnel at Longpuighat and Parva. The SMO, Chawngte will submit proposal for setting up of PHC at Longpuighat and Parva and for Borapansury PHC, presently run by CADC, to be fully taken up by the state government.

Pu S. Kaptluang proposed the 30 VLTFs along Indo-Bangla international boundary within CADC be categorized under special category for 24 X 7 vigilance.