Punjab mobilises 360 medical teams, 172 ambulances for flood-hit areas

In response to the ongoing flood situation, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh conducted a video conference with civil surgeons, principals of medical colleges, representatives of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Red Cross and chemist associations of Punjab for a comprehensive review of emergency medical situation, prevention of waterborne and vectorborne diseases.

Large-scale mobilisation of medical teams is underway to provide immediate care and relief to affected residents, said Dr Balbir Singh, while reaffirming the government's commitment to tackling any health related exigency. "The health and well-being of our citizens is the top priority of the Punjab government,” he said.

Balbir Singh directed the Civil Surgeons to ensure that no one is left without medical help during these critical times and said all health facilities must be fully equipped and stocked.

The Minister informed that on his instructions, the health department has initiated a critical mission to locate and assist pregnant women in flood-affected regions. This targeted effort has already yielded life-saving results, as teams in Ferozepur and Fazilka have successfully rescued six such women, all of whom have since given birth to healthy babies in state-run medical facilities.

He also announced a massive mobilisation of healthcare resources to mitigate the crisis. The department has constituted 360 mobile medical teams and 458 rapid response teams, which are actively working in the affected areas.

A total of 172 ambulances have been earmarked for flood relief and are stationed 24 x 7. "Our teams are working on a war footing, and we are confident that the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods," said the Minister.

He emphasised that civil surgeons must act in liaison with deputy commissioners for distributing chlorine pellets for potable drinking water and conducting door-to-door campaigns to ensure every household has access to safe drinking water.

Director Health and Family Welfare, Dr Hitinder Kaur, provided an on-the-ground report of the department's initiatives.

“Our teams are on the ground, providing treatment and distributing essential supplies. Medical camps are being organised daily in the affected areas, and in District Kapurthala, one camp is operating 24 x 7. We are also rigorously undertaking spraying and fogging to prevent vector-borne diseases.”