IMPHAL, June 6 - Manipur Health and Family Welfare Minister Langpoklakpam Jayantakumar today said that the Health Department has decided to launch a mobile testing kit, which is ready to be implemented.
Stating that the kit minimises work and time in procurement of test samples, the minister said that it would be helpful to those who are in need of COVID-19 tests in the hill areas.
Jayentakumar was speaking in the Senapati district headquarters, 60 km north of Imphal, after visiting several quarantine centres today.
The minister admitted that medical equipment and staff available in the State are not sufficient. Therefore, a Cabinet meeting has already approved of recruiting 300 doctors soon. He added that the recruitment process of 106 staff nurses under the National Health Mission, which has been pending due to the current pandemic situation, would also be finalised. This will make up for the shortage of nurses.
The present capacity of COVID-19 tests in Manipur is above 1,000 per day. The Government is making efforts to increase the testing capacity in order to cope with the arrival of a large number of returnees, the minister added.
Jayentakumar also held a discussion with civil society organisations of Senapati district. Earlier, he also visited the district hospital at Kangpokpi along with Social Welfare Minister Nemcha Kipgen.
Ministers N Kayasii Tribal Affairs), Losii Dikho (PHED), DC of Senapati, Lalithambigai Kalidas, Chairman of ADC, Senapati, ADC members, officials of Senapati district administration and Health officials accompanied Jayentakumar during his visit.
