Synjuk concern over new SOP for testing COVID-19 patients

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 29, 2020

The Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Ka Bri U Hynniewtrep (SNSBH) on Tuesday sought the intervention of the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma into the lack of clarity regarding the new standard operating procedure (SOP) and protocols for handling of COVID-19 patients.

“There is lack of clarity in the new SOP and protocols which states that a positive patient can be sent home. This has created fear and confusion among the dorbar shnong, neighbours and even members of the family. Therefore, we have requested the state government to examine the matter,” SNSBH general secretary, RL Blah

He said that the government should also take the views and suggestions of the dorbar shnong into consideration before implementing such protocols along with clarification from the health department.

Blah also pointed out that there are people who do not have proper facilities to quarantine at home.

“Therefore, we are of the opinion that in such cases where people do not have proper facility at home, it is good that they be taken to the corona care centre,” he said.

The SNSBH general secretary said that the Chief Minister has assured the delegation that the government will issue a clarification very soon.

Blah also informed that the dorbar shnong have been requested to reopen the community quarantine centres during a meeting convened by the East Khasi Hills, deputy commissioner recently.

“If you say that the positive patients should be kept in these community quarantine centres, we from the dorbar shnong reject this request as we have already wind up these centres, which we have set up for catering to returnees from outside the state and the other thing is that we cannot approach the educational institutions for utilizing their premises for the purpose. The state government can request these institutions at its own level,” he said.

Moreover, Blah said the dorbar shnong can no longer take up the responsibility of setting up these community quarantine centres as it involves huge expenditures.

“In the last five months, we have incurred huge expenditures for setting up these centres because we received only Rs 5,000 each from the government, Syiem and district council despite of the fact that we have to ensure water supply, internet connection, food for volunteers besides sanitizing the areas,” he said adding the government should extend financial support if it requires the dorbar shnong to continue with the centres.

The Synjuk also suggested the government to engage local unemployed youths on contractual basis for looking after community quarantine centres by giving them proper training.

It also suggested the government to set up two more crematoriums in Shillong for proper management of dead bodies due to COVID-19. Blah said the Synjuk had also clarified to the government that none of the dorbar shnong has graveyards except those belonging to different church denominations under their respective jurisdictions.