The Arunachal Pradesh Doctors Association (APDA) on Wednesday launched ‘Mission Sahayog’, a campaign to provide medical and other basic facilities to the distressed section of public amidst the nationwide lockdown.

Following the launch, the APDA handed over rations for around 400 needy families in the capital complex to the Capital Complex ADC, Talom Dupak, for further distribution to the families.

Speaking to reporters, APDA president Dr. Emi Rumi said due to the lockdown, the doctors are unable to reach out to every individual, therefore, the association came out with an idea to provide basis essential items and commodities under their capacity.

“As of now, 400 families will be provided 5kg of rice, 2 kg of dal and 1 kg of salt each,” he said.

Dr Rumi said during the routine check of those under home quarantine by the doctors in various sectors and colony of the capital region, it was found that many of the families are deprived of basis food needs.

“We the doctors fraternity cannot organize medical camps, provide medicines at sectors and colony during the lockdown period. Therefore, ‘Mission Sahayog’ is an approach to help those people deprived of essential commodities,” he said.

Dr Rumi further informed that the entire government doctors affiliated to the association are doing the same in their respective districts.

APDA also requested the organizations working for the people along the streets and sectors to use masks and then help others, though such act of generosity by the organization is not under the standard operating procedure (SOP) at this juncture.

He said using face masks to contain the spread of the COVID19 pandemic should be a social movement for the people of state.

“Moreover, people can also use the scarfs, towels and handmade mask to remain safe from the pandemic,” he added.

Meanwhile, replying to the rampant price hike of food items in the markets, ADC Dupak said strict action will be taken against those shopkeepers who are charging extra.

The administration has fixed the prices of all the goods in the market.

The shopkeepers and vendors, who are charging extra money, should better close the shops or face legal action, he cautioned.

Damien Lepcha is Northeast Now Correspondent in Arunachal Pradesh. He can be reached at: [email protected]