SHILLONG: Meghalaya Health and Family Welfare Minister, AL Hek has asserted that the state is ready to face any eventuality even if the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its peak in June-July.
The statement came from Hek as AIIMS Delhi Director, Dr Randeep Guleria had stated that Coronavirus pandemic in India was likely to peak in June-July.
“We are all ready for any eventuality or situation and even the situation post relaxation of lockdown,” Hek said
He, however, added the disease at some point or other will unfold and it is imperative for the people to accept this disease.
“Someday, it would be like a common disease and we have to accept it,” he said.
Hek who held a video conferencing with Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that the Centre had assured Meghalaya of any assurance be it monetary to fight COVID-19.
According to Hek, the Union Health Ministry was very impressed with the way Meghalaya has handed the entire fight against COVID-19 as the state till date have only 2 active cases from one source.
Hek also highlighted the important role which traditional institutions including headman, Rangbah Shnongs, village defense parties and Seng Samlas have played in Government’s fight against the virus as they have taken on themselves the responsibly of ensuring that citizens who are returning back to the state properly quarantine themselves in their respective homes.
“If left alone, I am saying this as a health Minister, the Government would have failed to control the pandemic but because of the cooperation of the people, we have been able to contain the disease so far,” Hek said
When asked about the apprehensions which people have about the stranded citizens who are undergoing home quarantine instead of institutional quarantine, he said that for people who can afford to quarantine at home, it is easier and helpful for them to quarantine at home
“Many people who don’t have such facilities are compelled to go corona care centers but I believe psychologically it is more helpful for them to quarantine at home,” Hek said.
