Indian Medical Association of Manipur State Branch President Dr Shyamkumar Laishram has stated that due to apprehension among the public for an impending community spread of COVID 19 in the state there were numerous accounts of restrictions made to the health care providers (HCP’s) while attending their duties.
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Their family members, landlords, neighbours or the local social bodies/clubs were preventing them from attending their duties even there were instances where HCP’s were made to quit their jobs, he added. He said barricades were also being put in the streets in different localities and even in non-containment zones. This has caused a hindrance not only to movements of HCP’s but also to the supply of essential items and life-saving drugs. During such a crucial juncture while the doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers of the state are risking their own lives in fighting the pandemic, it is very disheartening to see such an inconsiderate response from the general public by not allowing the HCP’s to deliver their duties both in COVID and non-COVID hospitals, he added.
Dr Ng Arunkumar Singh, State Secretary said there is a gloomy possibility of the healthcare system collapsing at any time. He said the IMA would like to alleviate the apprehension among the public regarding COVID-19 by further reiterating that the disease is easily preventable by following some simple precautionary measures like wearing of facial mask in public places, the physical distancing of at least one meter, frequent hand washing, avoiding unnecessary touching of mouth, nose and eyes, covering of mouth while coughing/sneezing and avoiding crowded places.
He said the Indian Medical Association of Manipur State Branch has made an appeal to the general public for their full cooperation and encouragement of the HCP’s of the state in fighting the present pandemic by allowing them to deliver their services. He said the association wants like to bring the attention of the authority regarding the spread of COVID-l9 among the HCP’s in the state and the importance of testing to prevent it. COVID-19 testing, particularly the rapid antigen test and truenet test, in the private hospitals and diagnostic labs may be considered in the interest of the state by relaxing some of the laid down guidelines, he said.
IMA wants dedicated COVID-19 hospitals/blocks exclusively for the symptomatic cases with separate facilities like OT’s, labour rooms, diagnostic labs and dialysis. There is also a need to have a proper guideline for admission to such a dedicated COVID hospital or to a COVID care center with proper referral system between the two as and when the situation arises, he added. Large numbers of doctors, staff were affected in most hospitals and cases of unattended patients were also increasing due to the crisis.
