COVID-19’s testing facilities in NEIGRIHMS insufficient, Thapa told Sangma

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 24, 2020

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma has expressed concern over the lack of testing facilities to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.

In an interaction with the media via video conferencing on Thursday night, Sangma said as per his conversation with the Director of North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), it was learnt that the testing facilities were insufficient. 

Stressing on the need to increase the testing facilities in the state, the former chief minister said this will to a large extent help to detect asymptomatic patients or patients with even the mildest symptoms at the earliest and curbed the pandemic at the root itself. 

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Dr Sangma further added that people should be provided with transparency about these tests so that they do not panic or fear to come forward for help.

Since the history of the origin of the COVID-19 virus is not known about the first patient in Meghalaya, Dr Sangma asserted that people must not jump into conclusions, like in the case of Dr Sailo’s infection, which was directed towards his son-in-law. 

“The origin of the virus’ transmission to the first COVID-19 is still unknown, which is crucial at this hour to bring light into the matter and provide further precautionary measures. People have to be very careful and tests have to be ramped up and be carried out aggressively in the state, if needed, with the help and support of the Government of India. These tests have to be COVID-19 specific to have an accuracy of results,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, the leader of opposition is of the opinion that lockdown if withdrawn, must be done slowly to stabilize the economy comprehensively. 

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“A proper plan has to be set up in place, and people have to be brought to an understanding such that the situation does not aggravate,” he said. 

He added that in the present scenario shops are open for very few hours which leads to panic among people to buy essentials thus bringing disorder and breaking the rule of social distancing which is one of the most essential measures of keeping the COVID-19 virus at bay.

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A more globalised world where people can cross geographical boundaries easily. Thus it means that the virus will stay for a long time and people have to maintain precautions, which is the only way to fight off the virus. The vaccine has to be found to stop the spread of coronavirus everywhere, else surges of the pandemic will be seen occurring time and again.

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Meanwhile, the former chief minsiter ardently requested the public to boldly come forward and get themselves tested and not fear social stigmatization so that the virus can be slowed down till a vaccine is found. 

He assured the masses that their privacy will be kept intact and all care and measures will be taken to ensure their health and safety.

Dr Sangma highly applauded the use of technology as a means of communication during the ongoing pandemic since social distancing is one of the essential steps to curb the spread of the virus. He expressed that his concerns were relayed on behalf of the people of Meghalaya and also said that this is a time to think deeply and help each other in every way possible.