SHILLONG, July 28: In view of the continuous surging of COVID-19 cases in the state, the state government is likely to talk a call on changing/modifying the existing protocols as far as handling of cases is concerned.
Health Minister James PK Sangma on Thursday said the government has been monitoring the situation and keeping a watch on the rising number of cases.
“We will shortly take a call on whether we need to change the protocol as and when required,” he said.
The minister exuded confidence that the existing health infrastructure in the state would be sufficient to tackle any situation but the government would exercise caution to ensure that any surge in cases does not overburden the system.
The state continues to report a large number of cases on a daily basis with 114 infections taking the active tally to 687. West Garo Hills has the highest number of 400 active cases while East Khasi Hills has 118.
As many as 55 people recovered on Thursday while the death toll remains at 1,605.
108 staff will be responsible for any unfortunate incident
Talking about the strike called by the Meghalaya EMRI Union, the health minister said those who have called the strike will be responsible for any unfortunate incident. He urged the employees to call off their strike and attend to the emergency services.
Sangma pointed out that if the employees continued with their agitation it would hamper the emergency services especially at a time when COVID-19 cases are on the rise and monkeypox cases are being reported from parts of the country.
The minister said the EMRI employees have been clearly explained that no state government in the country runs the 108 medical response system and the same has been outsourced to private parties everywhere. “This is a 24×7 system and is best operated by those who have experience,” he said.
He maintained that the government had done an audit and found several lapses in terms of performance being not upto the mark and hence the government has decided to invite fresh bids from new players to improve the services.
Sangma said the employees may have had a bad experience with one operator but it did not mean that things would not improve in future.
