Submission of the recommendations of Indian Medical Association Manipur State Branch with regard to the second wave of COVID 19 in the state
Respected Sir,
The state is gripped by the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in an unprecedented manner and Indian Medical Association Manipur State Branch is deeply concerned by the development. In this regard the association in due consultation with the “IMA Manipur COVID Task Force” has come up with certain recommendations to help in the management of COVID-19 in the state. Copy of the recommendations is enclosed herewith for your kind perusal and necessary action.
Further, we would like to stresses that Indian Medical Association is the largest association of doctors in the country and the association has contributed much in issues related to health. IMA Manipur State Brach has also contributed much in the health issues of the state. The association has been spearheading in spreading COVID health awareness since the first wave of COVID 19 last year. More than one hundred COVID 19 health awareness programs were organized since May last year. The biggest association of doctors in the state would like to stress upon the necessity of representing well in the State Consultative Committee on COVID 19 in the larger interest of public.
We are hopeful that you will consider our recommendations and subsequently convert them into actions.
Recommendations of the Indian Medical Association Manipur State Branch in regard to the second wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in the state:
1) Ideally compulsory COVID 19 testing, either by RAT or RT-PCR on arrival of all passengers at Imphal Airport and all other entry points should be followed otherwise rigorous checking of all RT-PCR test results that the passengers produced on arrival by verifying with ICMR’s SRF No should be done.
2) A common SOP for admission and treatment of all COVID-19 patients for both private and government hospitals is a must to avoid any confusion in this difficult time. This will help in rational admission, judicious treatment and optimizing the limited resources.
3) Conversion of some hotels to paid COVID Care Centers for the mildly symptomatic cases with good referral system with the higher COVID centers may be considered in the interest of those who can afford it as this will reduce undue pressure for admission of mildly symptomatic cases to Referral COVID Hospitals.
4) Strengthening of infrastructure of the peripheral health centers like the CHCs and DHs to manage the mildly symptomatic with a robust referral system with the Referral COVID Hospitals will reduce the burden on Referral COVID Hospitals.
5) Civil bodies like Local Clubs and Meira paibis may be engaged in enforcing COVID Appropriate Behavior among the general public.
6) Junior Doctors and other Health Care Workers engaged on COVID duties on contractual basis must be well paid as per their regular counterpart. Further, preference should be given to them while seeking for regular government post later. Acknowledging their contribution in this way during this challenging time will boost their morale.
7) Life insurance scheme of the COVID Health Care Workers will also help to boost the morale of those who are risking their life in fighting the pandemic.
8) Guidelines for Home Quarantine, Home Isolation and Community Home Isolation Centers must be available readily to the public with strict monitoring.
9) All long duration indoor meetings should be discouraged in the present situation.
10) Backup workforce of healthcare workers need to be developed at the earliest since the present HCWs are likely to burn out soon due to stress and infection.
With regards,
Yours faithfully,
1. Dr. S. Jugindra, President, IMA
2. Dr. Ngangom Arunkumar Singh, Honorary State Secretary, IMA
