CM deputes ministers to oversee relief work, medical camps set up

Officials from the health department said that a total of 27 ambulances have been stationed at 28 relief camps set up by district magistrates and an equal number are on standby.

“In addition to this, 23 ambulances have also been placed at the affected sites (during evacuation) and deployed after the river breached the danger mark,” an official said.

According to the official, the medical camps function from 9 am till 4 pm. Every camp has a doctor and two paramedical staff.

“We are monitoring cases of fever, dysentery as well as snake bites. All hospitals have been asked to be ready for any instances of snake bites as well. We have around 28 camps so far and the numbers will increase or decrease based on needs,” he added.

So far, said the official, there has been no increase in illnesses and no snake bites have been reported. “It is only the second day today… Trends can be predicted if we see them sustained over a period,” he said.

Keeping in view a possible rise in the number of diarrhoea, typhoid, viral hepatitis A and E cases, the department is also planning to issue radio jingles and newspaper advertisements on preventive steps to be taken by the public.

Meanwhile, at Delhi government’s Lok Nayak hospital, a disaster ward has been prepared to tackle any possible rise in patients coming from flood-affected areas.

According to Dr Suresh Kumar, the hospital’s medical director, the disaster ward has 70 beds. He added that so far, only three patients have been admitted due to dysentery and fever but there are chances that as the water recedes, the number might go up.

“We have also deployed 20 staff, including doctors and nurses, to look after the patients,” he added.

On Saturday, lAS and DANICS officers were also deployed to monitor and assist district magistrates and sub-divisional magistrates of all districts and sub-divisions with rescue, relief and rehabilitation work. The officers deployed will work as per directions of higher authorities, issued from time to time, in full coordination with the district administration.