Gujarat runs 6,868 health camps in flood-hit areas, deploys 18,000 surveillance teams
The Gujarat health department has organised 6,868 medical camps, deployed over 18,000 surveillance teams and administered medicines to more than 7.6 lakh people in flood-affected districts to prevent disease outbreaks following heavy rains last week, officials said on Tuesday, August 4.
According to an official release, more than 1.05 crore chlorine tablets and 10.29 lakh ORS packets have been distributed door-to-door, and 497 teams deployed in south and central Gujarat to curb vector-borne infections.
"To prevent disease outbreaks in rain-affected areas, the health department organised 6,868 medical camps, where over 1.74 lakh people were examined and treated on the spot," the release said.
A comprehensive Monsoon Action Plan has been implemented across all 34 districts and eight municipal corporations before and during the monsoon.
"As a result, despite widespread flooding and heavy rainfall, no major public health emergency has been reported, and disease outbreaks have remained largely under control," the release said.
The department has been conducting regular health check-ups for people staying in relief camps set up in rain-hit areas, according to the release.
As many as 675 pregnant women from flood-affected areas were shifted to healthcare facilities in advance, where 272 deliveries were successfully conducted, the government said.
Round-the-clock health control rooms have been set up in all 34 districts and across eight municipal corporations, with each district provided five additional emergency medical teams along with dedicated vehicles and staff, the release said.
To ensure a quick emergency response, 1,496 ambulances under the 108 Emergency Service and 816 primary health and community health centre ambulances have been kept on standby, it said.
Over 18,000 surveillance teams have been carrying out daily door-to-door visits, distributing more than 1.05 crore chlorine tablets and over 10.29 lakh ORS packets, according to the release.
All healthcare institutions have been stocked with more than 1.5 crore chlorine tablets, over 60 lakh ORS packets and 1,38,234 Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) injections, it said.
After floodwaters receded, more than 7.61 lakh high-risk people in 562 villages across Surat, Tapi, Valsad and Navsari districts were administered medicines to prevent leptospirosis. Additionally, 497 extra vector control teams were deployed to carry out anti-larval measures and create public awareness to prevent vector-borne diseases.
Torrential rains had pummelled several parts of south and central Gujarat on August 1, prompting authorities to shift 27,000 people and rescue 53 others from affected districts, particularly Surat and Navsari, as flood-like conditions cut off many villages.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain in several parts of north, south and central Gujarat, as well as the Saurashtra region, this week.
(With inputs from PTI
