Following the distressing plea from the Konyak Union about the overwhelming situation at District Hospital Mon after the sudden dengue outbreak, the Department of Health and Family Welfare (DoHFW), Nagaland has issued a deployment order for 4 medical officers, 10 nurses, and 5 lab technicians. According to HA Hongnao Konyak, the Vice President of the Konyak Union, the healthcare officials are expected to report tomorrow or the day after.
The 19 medical personnel are being deployed to augment the existing medical manpower in Mon district in view of the outbreak of dengue in the eastern district.
However, the number of dengue cases in Mon district has now surged past 1000 after Rapha Clinic, the only private clinic, released its data. Rapha Clinic today reported that within the last few days, a total of 357 people tested positive for dengue.
“Even on a Sunday, the district hospital provided full service, with our outpatient department (OPD) remaining open. The dedication of our doctors and nurses was commendable,” KU Vice President Hongnao stated. He mentioned that he doesn’t have the data from the hospital on the number of new cases detected today but asserted that it likely exceeded 1000 after incorporating the Rapha Clinic data and the new detection to the already confirmed 678 cases.
“We are also very grateful to the department, our Health Minister Paiwang Konyak, and the State Program Officer of Nagaland Health Mission (NHM) for responding to our calls promptly. The speed at which they reacted is commendable. However, we are still looking forward to receiving the equipment,” he said.
It is worth noting that in their press statement yesterday, the Konyak Union, in addition to their request for additional healthcare personnel, has called for the immediate installation of a Complete Blood Count (CBC) machine and the prompt commencement of the District School Nursing School, Mon.
“We used to have a CBC machine, but it has become non-functional due to excessive use,” Konyak explained.
Konyak further revealed that the union held a meeting with local churches and other organizations to address the accommodation needs of the healthcare personnel, both those already deployed and those yet to arrive. Due to a shortage of official guest houses, they have approached local churches for the use of their guest houses to accommodate the medical professionals.
“We’ve had a 5-member team from Mokokchung staying with us for the past week. Mokokchung has already sent us 1 MMU (Mobile Medical Unit), for which we are immensely thankful. As more officials are set to join us, we’ve had to evaluate their accommodation needs. Our deep appreciation goes out to the doctors and nurses who have been providing valuable assistance and those who will soon be joining us,” expressed Konyak with gratitude.
As per the latest deployment order, the four medical officers deployed to Mon district in response to the dengue outbreak are: Dr Zupenthung T Khuvung from Kohima; Dr Limayanger from Mokokchung; Dr Liphamo Odyuo from Wokha; and Dr Atoikali G from Zunheboto.
The staff nurses who have been deployed include: Sabeinuo Dzuvichu from Kohima; Senkala from Mokokchung; Roselin Patton from Wokha; Kiviholi Zhimomi from Phek; Ikali T Chishi from Zunheboto; Kimaheule from Peren; Rongilemla M Chang from Tuensang; S Ngipshon Konyak from Mon; Thsuvi Jidoji from Kiphire; and Y Caroline Phom from Longleng.
The lab technicians who have been deployed are: Mapurenla from Mokokchung; Yanbemo Khuvung from Zunheboto; Moakumla Ozukum from Tuensang; B Rendimenla from Mon; and Y Ayep Phom from Longleng.