ITANAGAR, May 11 - Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu today held a meeting with the Arunachal Chapter of Indian Medical Association (IMA) to discuss on evolving better strategies to fight the novel coronavirus pandemic in the State.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister discussed with IMA members on procuring diagnostic machines such as TrueNat machines to enable carrying out faster and effective ways of COVID-19 testing.
The meeting recommended rapid antibody tests as the main tool for mass screening and surveillance as inter-state travellers are bound to increase in the coming days. It was felt that use of cheaper, cost-effective and quick rapid antibody test facility should be installed in districts since it involves less manpower.
The meeting also pitched for a robust health policy in the State that would give more teeth in the fight against the virus and for better health services, observing that the pandemic has exposed �many loopholes� in the health system.
It also proposed forming a separate cadre for the health sector for improved health environment.
The meeting further observed that home quarantine is not being properly adhered to and called for compulsory 14 days quarantine in Govt or paid quarantine facilities.
It was reiterated that even after testing negative for the virus, the inter-state returnees must strictly follow the quarantine protocols.
