Shillong, July 13: Meghalaya health minister AL Hek has informed that two villages have decided to provide accommodation for their residents, who are working at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health & Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Hek said the problems faced by the health workers of the institute were discussed during a review meeting held with the Union health minister on Monday.
“The state government has also decided to work with NEIGRIHMS for taking care of the health workers, who are residing at Nongmensong, Mawpat, Langkyrding and other places,†Hek informed.
The state health minister also informed that the Dorbar Shnong of Mawkasiang and Mawdiangdiang have already expressed their willingness to provide accommodation for residents, who are working in NEIGRIHMS.
“We thank the two villages for their kind gesture and I appeal to other localities and Dorbar Shnongs to follow their example,†he said.
Director of Health Services (MI) Dr Aman War said that a detailed discussion was also held with the NEIGRIHMS authority as there has been a lot of resentment where some localities have asked people working in NEIGRIHMS not to enter their localities.
Appealing to all not to harass the health workers, Dr War said, “NEIGRIHMS is a responsible institute and if it is sending them (health workers) home after duty, that means they are safe. The institute is also issuing certificates to such employees.â€
“We would like to appeal to all the Dorbar Shnongs including the house owners not to terrify people due to COVID-19 but to give respect to all health workers as if you have this kind of stigma against what will happen to the hospital which is not only handling COVID-19 cases but other diseases as well,†he said.
Meanwhile, NEIGRIHMS Director, Dr P Bhattacharyya said the quarantine facility is being extended to all health workers, who are high risk contacts of COVID-19 patients.
“We cannot afford allowing a person, who is a high risk contact, to go to the community. They are properly checked (and tested) before sending them for home quarantine,†he said while adding that the institute is also following the health ministry’s guidelines for use of PPEs.
