The Congress Party today raised its concerns over the surge in Covid-19 cases that have swept Meghalaya.
Opposition MLAs Ampareen Lyngdoh, Zenith M Sangma, George Lyngdoh and Himalaya Shangpliang sent a joint letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma critiquing and giving their suggestions on what they believe needs to be done to check the spread of the disease.
“One of the prime reasons for the uncontrolled spread of the infection is home isolation of infected citizens who do not have proper accommodation in their homes,” they said, adding that the party had repeatedly raised this concern in order to alert the government for the need for proper isolation facilities around the state.
This surge in cases, far worse than the first wave of last year, has stretched the health service to breaking point, the four legislators opined, with healthcare workers unable to visit their families to protect them from the virus. “They have not had proper rest nor do the hospitals have proper accommodation to ensure that their health is also taken care of,” the letter added.
There was also criticism on the lack of quarantine centres. Last year local Dorbar Shnongs had set up such centres but they have said that this it is impossible this year because they have run out of money, having not been reimbursed for their expenses from the first wave.
The opposition MLAs suggested that every health centre should identify areas for such centres, while in urban areas all schools and other large spaces can be converted into quarantine centres.
“Such centres should also be provided with beds and mattresses, toiletries, medical and support staff, especially essentials like food and medicines,” they said.
Other areas where the Congress felt that improvements had to be made included having all Covid-related expenses recompensed through the Megha Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), setting up vaccination centres away from overburdened hospitals and smoothening out confusion regarding the age-wise vaccination drive, as was seen when 18-44s became eligible for the jab along with the 45-plus.
