Imphal: Manipur Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh assessed Tuesday the state’s readiness, including the availability of beds and manpower, to deal with an increase in COVID-19 cases.
The threat of a new Covid wave looms large as China, which has been experiencing its worst Covid pandemic to date, reported nearly 37 million new infections in a single day this week.
The Health Minister reviewed COVID-19 preparedness by visiting JNIMS and Thoubal District Hospitals.
Speaking to media persons at JNIMS, Porompat, Ranjan said that there has been an alarming scenario of COVID in some countries during the past few days. The Minister also informed that review meetings have been regularly convened with the concerned officials in this regard.
Hospital authorities have been directed to keep medical equipment and infrastructures like oxygen cylinders, ICU wards, and isolation wards ready for use at any time. Face masks should be used at public places, he added.
During his visit to Thoubal District Hospital, the Minister also convened a discussion meeting with hospital officials and staff.
During his visit, the Minister was accompanied by V. Vumlunmang, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Director, NHM, Manipur, Dr. Somorjit Ningombam and other health officials.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner of Bishnupur, Lourembam Bikram, accompanied by ADM H. Bobby Sharma, visited Bishnupur District Hospital on Tuesday to assess preparedness to deal with any spike in COVID cases.
During the visit, Dr L. Raichandra Singh, CMO, Dr Sheitabala Devi, Medical Superintendent, Dr Kh. John, Medical Officer, and concerned district health officials apprised the DC of manpower, equipment, and other clinical and non-clinical resources to tackle any increase in COVID-19 cases in the district. DC Lourembam Bikram also inspected the ICU centre, Isolation Ward, Ambulance and PSA Oxygen Plant located within the hospital complex.
Mention may be made that the MoHFW has instructed mock drill exercises on the preparedness of Dedicated Covid Health Facilities to be conducted in every district in view of the recent surge in COVID-19 new cases in some countries.
