SHILLONG: Amid reports of spike in conjunctivitis cases from throughout the state, Meghalaya Health Minister Dr Ampareen Lyngdoh has assured the people that the situation is under control and the health department is on the job.
“All health facilities have been issued necessary instructions; medicines have been made available and the health department is on the job. We have ensured required medicines are available across the state, even in small facilities such as dispensaries,” said Lyngdoh, on Tuesday.
Brushing off “hearsays” that the disease may turn into an outbreak in Meghalaya, Lyngdoh said, “Currently, it’s not a matter of great concern to the state.”
“Conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’ as it’s called today, is a very common disease that rises its ugly head during monsoons in every state. See, firstly it’s a contagious diseases so protective measures need to followed,” she said.
Reacting to news reports of neighbouring states such as Assam and Nagaland temporarily shutting down schools and institutions to prevent spread of the contagious disease, the Health Minister said that both authorities and educational institutions have been proactive in addressing the challenge.
“I ‘ve been apprised that as a precautionary measure against pink eye infection, some schools and institutions in the state are providing separate rooms to students appearing for internal or private exams,” she said.
Earlier on August 20, speaking to a local online news portal, East Khasi Hills District Medical Health Officer (DMHO), Dr Adrena Lyngdoh, had confirmed the surge in cases of pink eye in the district, noting that 20 cases had already been recorded at the Mawlai-Mawroh PHC alone.
The West Khasi Hills district of the state has also witnessed the disease’s imprint, with roughly 20 cases reported at the Nongstoiñ Civil Hospital on the same day.
