The Health Department has directed all executive district officers and medical superintendents of public hospitals to make special arrangements for dealing with a flood situation.
An official letter in this regard tilted Pre-flood Arrangements for the Flood Season 2014 states, “The Health Department plans to implement preventive measures in order to save lives and minimise the damage caused by floods. The policy primarily aims at mitigating the effects of the calamity by utilising the available resources.”
The department has asked the officials to remain on alert and make a list of staff to be mobilised once a flood warning is received.
The department has also directed hospitals to form emergency cells to ensure planning and coordination. The hospitals have been asked to ensure availability of medicines and medical supplies such as blood plasma and saline water.
The officials have also been asked to equip mobile medical teams for sending to remote flood-hit areas. The teams will be responsible for carrying out vaccinations as well.
The department asked officials to submit their pre-flood plans to the health services directorate general by July 25.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2014.
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