The Lunglei High Powered Committee Vice Chairman Pu Lawmawma Tochhawng yesterday visited the District Hospital, Lunglei to inspect preparedness of the hospital and medical staff to combat Covid-19, should any case be detected in the District. He was accompanied by Lunglei CMO Dr Thani Pachuau, Medical Superintendent Dr SR Ngurchamliana, other Government officials  and media persons.

As coronavirus continues its spread across India, the Government of Mizoram is taking all necessary steps and precautions, and has devoted all resources to detect any cases of COVID-19. While there have been no COVID-19 cases in the state so far, the Government has issued stringent measures to ensure preparedness of hospitals and medical staff to deal with positive cases, if any. 

Following directives from the State Health and Family Welfare Department, Lunglei Civil Hospital has set up an Isolation Ward for coronavirus patients in the hospital premises. The Isolation Ward is equipped with five beds (3 for males and 2 for females), two attached toilet/bathrooms, a separate room for duty staff and a separate fully equipped kitchen. It also has a separate staircase for entry, which is not accessible for patients of other wings and for the general public. Two Specialist doctors - Dr RSC Vanlalruati, Microbiologist and Dr Lalfakzuala Renthlei, Chest Physician have been assigned to be on duty at the Isolation Ward, in the eventuality of a patient or patients being admitted there. The Civil Hospital has also set up a ‘Rapid Response Team’ for Coronavirus which includes District SMO cum District Surveillance Officer Dr Lalrinthangi, Dr Isak Lallawmkima, MD Specialist, Pi C.Lalbiakzami, District Nursing Superintendent, Pu Lalruatkima, CMO Office and Medical Mobile Unit Team (6 Nos). The Hospital has also trained its entire staff in the District, who will then carry out various awareness campaigns across the District in the next couple of days. The hospital is equipped with five (5) ventilators. 

Pu Lawmawma Tochhawng commended the staff and doctors of Lunglei Civil Hospital for the measures implemented to combat coronavirus, and urged them to contact his office immediately should they require any assistance in the future. He also appealed to the public to remain calm and practice basic hand washing and use of sanitizers and observe good personal hygiene. He also appealed to people with cough/cold, sore throats and respiratory problems to stay away from markets, churches and other public places, and for the general public to practice social distancing. Citing recent incidents of rumours regarding coronavirus being spread through various social media by miscreants, the HPC Vice Chairman termed such acts as highly unfortunate and punishable by law, and appealed to the general public to refrain from posting/forwarding messages without first verifying their authenticity. He also appealed to all those returning from outside the State to observe the mandatory 14 days home quarantine. 

The Lunglei District Task Force on Coronavirus had been set up in the month of February, with meetings already held on 17^th February, 2020 and 12^th March, 2020. Screening at the Bangladesh border commenced on 10^th February, 2020. The H&FW Department is conducting a Training/ Sensitization on Coronavirus for Government officials, NGOs, media persons and church leaders at the Civil Hospital tomorrow.

Any queries related to COVID-19 may also be reached on the COVID-19 Helpline no. 102 (Toll free), Lunglei District Helplines - 9774631304, 9436361845, 9862816040,  and telephone numbers 0389-2323336 / 2318336 at any time.