AIZAWL, March 25 - The Mizoram Government has stepped up efforts to check the spread of novel coronavirus after detection of the first case in Mizoram by calling retired doctors and also requesting the neighbouring States of Assam and Tripura to maintain strict vigil along the inter-State border, a top Mizoram Health official said today.
Mizoram faces a manpower crunch and an infrastructure crisis amid the rapid novel coronavirus spread in the world.
Principal Director of State Health Department Dr F Lallianhlira said that the Government has collected details of retired doctors and prepared duty rosters. He added that the measure is being taken to tide over the manpower crisis. According to him, retired doctors will be called for service in case the State faces a major crisis in the days ahead.
Meanwhile, Mizoram Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana told reporters that the existing infrastructure and manpower in the State are not up to the mark compared to other States. He said that the State Government has formed a �medical operation team� with private hospitals to strengthen coordination and expedite medical facilities in the fight against the deadly virus.
He thanked the private hospital owners� association for extending help to the State Government in its effort to contain the novel coronavirus.
Lalthangliana said that the Mizoram Government has appealed to Tripura and Assam governments to step up vigil along the inter-State borders. He added that he had spoken to Assam Chief Minister Sarbananada Sonowal and Tripura Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma to maintain strict vigil along the inter-State border. He stated that he had requested the two leaders of the neighbouring States to expedite screening and maintain strict vigilance in all duty posts along the Mizoram border.
The Health Minister urged the citizens of the State stranded in different parts of the country to stay back at their respective places and not enter the State for the time being. He said that the State Government has made special arrangements to accommodate stranded passengers in Mizoram Houses in various cities across the country.
