KOHIMA: In a stark contrast to its previous stance, the Health and Family Welfare department has now confirmed a dengue epidemic in the state’s Mon district. On Sunday, it revealed that 1,523 dengue patients have been admitted at District Hospital, Mon (DHM) and an additional 23 have been referred outside the district.
The latest figures were reported by Dr Thomas Keppen, the deputy CMO of Mon, and Dr Aman Konyak, the medical superintendent (IC). These officials also shared that the hospital offers free medicine and conducts free investigations for patients covered under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme and the Ayushman Bharat card holders.
During a recent meeting with Health and Family Welfare Minister P Paiwang Konyak, it was resolved that DHM would be equipped with facilities for the Elisa test.
ALSO READ Nagaland’s Dimapur, Chümoukedima report 227 dengue cases
The department would also oversee the operational costs of manpower outsourced from neighbouring districts. Plans are underway to meet the growing need for medical staff, provide a dedicated dengue ward in DHM, and ensure sanitation in wards and towns with the assistance of the municipal board. The officials underscored the critical role of community involvement, especially by Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), in addressing this health crisis.
However, these figures present an inconsistency. Data released by the H&FW department on October 26 documented only 933 dengue cases, including a single fatality, in Mon. According to this report, the entire state had 2,899 dengue cases.
Meanwhile, in the light of the dengue outbreak, Minister P Paiwang Konyak made his second official visit to DHM since the outbreak began. He donated Rs 2 lakh to the hospital’s emergency fund, inspected the facilities, conversed with patients and their families, and held private discussions with the hospital’s medical staff. Dr Keppen also briefed the minister about the current situation, stressing on the need for more medical personnel.
In response, Paiwang committed to deploy additional staff promptly. He further reiterated his pledge to provide a printer for the Complete Blood Count (CBC) 5 Chamber and stressed the need for clear patient segregation to facilitate precise treatment protocols.
