NHM-DHS gets go-ahead to fight COVID-19 in Meghalaya

Shillong: The Meghalaya Government has given the go-ahead to National Health Mission (NHM) and the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) to “do everything necessary” to combat COVID-19.
State Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek said in a review meeting chaired by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, the Government has given the green signal to the DHS and the NHM to fill critical gaps and not wait for the government’s approval if required.
“Anything the NHM and DHS feel the State requires to fight COVID-19, should be got hold of, be it in terms of infrastructure, logistics or manpower. They have been given the go-ahead to fight the pandemic,” Hek told reporters on Tuesday.
He said both these wings of the health department need not wait for the government’s approval while filing these critical gaps as the State is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases.
“The Government is prepared and doing everything necessary to face any eventuality. We are also preparing to open “big Corona Care Centres” if the need arises,” Hek said.
Meanwhile, DHS (MI), Dr. Aman War said that at present there are two COVID-19 hospital that includes 101 beds at TB hospital in Umsawli and 100 in Ganesh Das Maternity and Child Hospital.
Moreover, a 58-bedded Corona Care Centre would be made available at Meghalaya Administrative Training Institute in the State, he said.
Dr. War said at present there are 609 oxygen-supported beds and 65 ICU beds equipped with ventilators in the State.
“In total there are 674 COVID-19 beds,” a health official said. The State Government is in the process to have another 300 COVID-19 beds in the State Capital.
Officials said that a lot of skilled workers who are in the state don’t have proper accommodation to isolate themselves.
These workers would be accommodated in these Corona Care Centers. In addition other Corona Care Centres would be activated.