Health Department Prepares Action Plan for Disaster Management

Banswara (Rajasthan): The government has instructed medical institutions across the state to prepare for disaster management. Now, a plan is being developed at the district level as well. The Rajasthan Medical Relief Society (RMRS) fund will be utilised for essential arrangements. The Medical and Health Department has written to the principals of medical colleges, joint directors of zones, CMHO, and PMO to develop an action plan and make necessary arrangements.

The department expects that the monsoon season, which is likely to begin at the end of this month, will bring with it the risk of waterlogging and floods. In light of this, the department has issued instructions for preventive measures, disease prevention, and emergency preparedness at the grassroots level.

The following tasks need to be completed:

* Repair and maintenance of medical institutions
* Cleaning and maintenance of hospital roofs, pipes, and electrical equipment
* Providing suitable seating arrangements for patients and their attendants
* Ensuring cleanliness in hospital premises

Rapid Response and Mobile Teams will be constituted to tackle water-borne diseases and seasonal illnesses. In the event of floods, there is a risk of water contamination, so necessary measures will be taken, including the storage of bleaching powder and chlorine, regular purification of water sources, and repair of leakages in water pipelines.

The following items will be made available:

* Essential life-saving medicines
* Water purification tablets
* Anti-larval temephos, MLO, and pyrethrum
* Proper cleaning of urban and panchayat drains
* Insecticides will be sprayed
* Wide publicity will be ensured

Medical personnel have been instructed to report to headquarters and work in coordination with district administration and public representatives to ensure necessary medical facilities are made available in emergencies.