SHILLONG: Meghalaya’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, AL Hek was unhappy to learn that there were only 15 personal protective equipment (PPE) in entire Sohra Civil Sub Division even though the entire East Khasi Hills District has now been declared as Red zone.
Speaking to newsmen here on Monday after holding a review meeting in Sohra, Hek said, “How can we protect the doctors and corona workers with just 15 PPEs in the entire Civil Sub division.
Hek who also visited Laitryngew PHC lamented that there was not even a single PPE at a time when PPE is the most important shield for the corona workers in the state.
Not impressed with the situation in Sohra, Hek on Monday issued a directive in which he stated that minimum of 100 PPE along with masks, hand sanitizers and other requirements should be made available in each and every PHC and CHC.
He added that the equipment would start reaching the PHCs and CHCs from Thursday.
Admitting that there are shortcomings even though the department is trying its best to contain the situation, he also stressed on the need for his own department to work more aggressively besides ensuring that proper awareness is created among the people about COVID-19.
“ I saw people were waiting for ration without wearing masks in a village in Sohra and this is a matter of concern for us,” Hek said.