Punjab Deploys Over 800 Medical Teams for Flood Relief Efforts

In response to the severe flooding that has impacted large areas of Punjab, the state’s health department has mobilized a total of 818 medical teams. This effort includes 458 rapid response teams and 360 mobile medical teams, equipped with essential medications to provide immediate care and prevent disease outbreaks, according to Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh.

Dr Balbir Singh emphasized, “Our goal is to ensure that no person is left without medical care, and we are delivering on that promise.” The health department is conducting daily medical camps in the affected regions and shelter homes, aiming to offer continuous treatment to those in need. As of now, 962 camps have been established, where health professionals have examined and treated over 31,876 patients for various ailments, including diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, diabetes, and skin allergies.

In particular, the health teams are focusing on the needs of pregnant women by providing ante-natal check-ups on-site. Dr Balbir Singh noted that the state is well-prepared to tackle the health crisis, with a stock of 66 essential drugs and 21 consumables specifically chosen for flood relief. The government has allocated funds to districts to ensure they can procure any additional medications that may be needed.

To further prevent disease outbreaks, over 11,103 ASHA workers are actively engaging with communities in flood-affected areas. These workers are going door-to-door to distribute medicines and raise awareness about water and vector-borne diseases. They are also ensuring that routine immunization schedules remain uninterrupted, particularly for pregnant women.

To enhance medical infrastructure, the health department has deployed 170 ambulances. This number has been bolstered by support from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and various NGOs, which have contributed an additional 254 fully-equipped ambulances. Dr Balbir Singh confirmed that a total of 424 ambulances are now operational, providing round-the-clock medical response capabilities.

In a notable addition to the emergency response, two specialized boat ambulances have been deployed in Gurdaspur district, along with a helicopter designated for the critical airlift of patients, especially pregnant women. So far, five pregnant women have been successfully evacuated and received timely medical care.

To strengthen the frontline teams, the health minister announced the appointment of 322 new medical officers, with 138 assigned specifically to the seven districts most severely impacted by the floods. These officers will oversee mobile teams, coordinate ambulance services, organize medical camps, and monitor for potential disease outbreaks.

The health department’s comprehensive response, which combines immediate medical care with preventive measures, aims to mitigate the health risks associated with the flooding and ensure that residents receive the essential services they require during this challenging time.