Secy Health reviews post-flood preparedness, response measures across J&K

Jammu, Aug 29: Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah Friday chaired a high-level meeting to review post-flood preparedness and response measures across Jammu and Kashmir.The meeting was attended by Heads of Departments, Directors of Health Services Jammu / Kashmir, Principals and Medical Superintendents (MS) of Government Medical Colleges, Managing Director JKMSCL, Chief Medical Officers (CMOs),State Surveillance Officers (SSO) and Sate Malariologist.During the meeting, the Secretary emphasized the importance of rapid health assessment in flood-affected areas, strengthening of disease surveillance, and ensuring readiness of health facilities. He directed the officers to undertake  rapid health assessment of affected populations, functionality of health facilities, availability of medicines, sanitation, and cold chain.The Secretary called upon the CMOs to conduct assessment of flood damages and submit reports for same in due course of time. He stressed for daily disease surveillance under IDSP for diarrhoea, cholera, hepatitis A/E, leptospirosis, malaria, dengue, ARI, and snakebite with immediate reporting of clustering of cases and activation of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). The Secretary also instructed for immediate restoration of health services in damaged facilities, deployment of mobile medical teams temporary camps, and ensuring uninterrupted supply of ORS, IV fluids, antibiotics, vaccines, anti-snake venom, anti-rabies vaccine and serum and anti-malarial drugs. He called upon the officers to coordinate with Jal Shakti Department for provision of safe drinking water through chlorination, distribution of chlorine tablets for household use and regular water quality testing at public water sources and relief camps.  He also asked for intensification of vector surveillance, fogging, larvicidal measures and residual spraying in stagnant water areas, besides safe water arrangements, sanitation, drainage, waste disposal, immunization, and regular medical check-ups in relief camps.The Secretary also stressed on risk communication and community awareness regarding use of ORS, safe drinking water, early reporting of fever/diarrhoea/jaundice, snakebite first aid. He also laid emphasis on timely shifting of pregnant mothers with near expected date of delivery from cut off areas to nearest health facility. The Secretary further directed all concerned officers to ensure timely action, inter-departmental coordination and close monitoring so that public health risks in the aftermath of floods are minimized. He also reiterated for public awareness regarding helplines like 104 for health-related issues, 102/108 for ambulance services, and 14416 (Tele-MANAS helpline) for mental health support.