— Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh chairs state-level meeting with Civil Surgeon, Issues Directives
— People urged to follow advisory on Prevention of Water, Food, and Vector-borne Diseases during Floods
— Six Pregnant Women Deliver Safely After Being Rescued From Flood Affected Border Districts
— Health Minister Directs Civil Surgeons for Round-the-Clock Efforts, Assures Citizens of Comprehensive Preparedness
CHANDIGARH, August 28:
In response to the ongoing flood situation, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh, conducted a video conference meeting with Civil Surgeons, Principals of Medical Colleges, representatives of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Red Cross and Chemists associations of Punjab for comprehensive review of emergency medical response, prevention of water borne and vector borne diseases.
Large-scale mobilisation of medical teams and resources is underway to provide immediate care and relief to affected residents, said Dr Balbir Singh, while reaffirming the government’s commitment to tackling any health-related exigency.
Speaking during the meeting Dr Balbir Singh stated, “The health and well-being of our citizens is the top priority of the Punjab government.”
He directed the Civil Surgeons to ensure that no one is left without medical help during these critical times and asked that all health facilities must be fully equipped and stocked to take in patients.
The Minister informed that on his instructions, the health department has initiated a critical mission to locate and assist pregnant women in flood-affected regions. This targeted effort has already yielded life-saving results, as teams in Ferozepur and Fazilka have successfully rescued six such women, all of whom have since given birth to healthy babies in state-run medical facilities.
He announced a massive mobilisation of healthcare resources to mitigate the crisis. The department has constituted 360 Mobile Medical Teams and 458 Rapid Response Teams, which are actively working in the affected areas.
A total of 172 ambulances have been earmarked for flood relief and are stationed 24/7. “Our teams are working on a war footing, and we are confident that the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods,” added Minister.
The Minister emphasised that Civil Surgeons must act in liaison with Deputy Commissioners for distributing chlorine pellets for potable drinking water and conducting door-to-door campaigns to ensure every household has access to safe drinking water. He asked for a coordinated response by working closely with IMA, Red Cross, Chemist Association and NGOs to ensure safety of the people in flood affected areas.
Director Health and Family Welfare, Dr Hitinder Kaur, provided an on-the-ground report of the department’s initiatives. “Our teams are on the ground, providing treatment and distributing essential supplies. Medical camps are being organised daily in the affected areas, and in District Kapurthala, one camp is operating 24/7. We are also rigorously undertaking spraying and fogging to prevent vector-borne diseases.”
