Amid the emerging fear of coronavirus infection in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh bordering to Assam, eminent citizens of the State including some leaders are dismayed over lack of infrastructure and modern health care facilities in Bakin Pertin General Hospital at Pasighat.
Former Arunachal Pradesh minister Bosiram Siram alleged that the state Health department, even after repeated announcement, has not yet installed Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Ventilation machine at Pasighat General Hospital.
He said lack of ICU and ventilation facility in the hospital, which cater patients from several central Arunachal Pradesh district including parts of Assam, causing concern among the people of the region.
Siram, who is native of Pasighat in East Siang, said there was provision for installation of ICU in the general hospital and accordingly two rooms were constructed for the purpose.
The ex-minister also suggested the government to set up ‘Covid-19 Care Centre’ in every districts to avoid public wrath.
“The local people of East Siang including students’ union members are opposing the move fearing that Covid-19 patients referred to Pasighat hospital (from other districts) may spread the dreaded virus to local residents,” Siram informed.
Siram is appreciating the untiring efforts of the district administration, Health department officials and other volunteers for Covid-19 prevention, but alleged that the measures taken by government are ‘inadequate’ to combat eventualities caused by the Cornonavirus.
He observes that the State Government is lagging behind terms of sanitization, issuing PPE to health staffs and distribution of protective face-mask and sanitizers for public use.
Talking to Northeast Now over telephone on Sunday, Siram informed said he has approached Arunachal Pradesh health minister Alo Libang to meet the medical shortfall in the State without delay.
He urged chief minister Pema Khandu led State Government to take up bold initiative to boost medical facilities in every district to ensure health security of the poor people.
“The MLAs of the district contributed salary besides granting huge amount LAD fund for protective purposes, but the authority is unable to supply face-mask, sanitizers and other protective equipment for the local residents,” Siram decried.
Siram, a veteran Congress leader of the State served as chief minister’s adviser during Nabam Tuki government, took initiative to boost medical infrastructure at Pasighat General Hospital besides releasing sanction of several multi crore projects in East Siang district.