K-P puts hospitals on alert amid monsoon, flood threat

Stocks of anti-snake venom, ORS, emergency medicines ordered checked; response teams kept on standby

PESHAWAR:

The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Health Department has placed all hospitals and government health facilities across the province on high alert in view of the ongoing monsoon emergency and the threat of flooding.

In a circular issued to District Health Officers (DHOs) and medical superintendents of all districts, the department directed officials to immediately check stocks of essential medicines and anti-snake venom in hospitals and health centres under their jurisdiction.

The letter specifically ordered that adequate supplies of critical medical items be ensured at District Headquarters (DHQ) hospitals, Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) hospitals, Rural Health Centres (RHCs) and Basic Health Units (BHUs). Any shortage of medicines or medical equipment must be reported to the Health Department without delay. Districts have been told to submit advance orders for essential drugs so that timely supplies can be arranged from the Central Medical Store.

Special emphasis has been placed on the availability of anti-snake venom, oral rehydration salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, tetanus toxoid and antibiotics for people affected by rains and floods. Ambulances and emergency response teams are to remain on standby around the clock in every area, while health facilities in flood-hit zones must stay fully functional to provide prompt treatment to those in need.

Health officials have also been instructed to maintain continuous coordination and monitoring with district administrations and to ensure that all necessary medicines and medical resources are in place before any emergency escalates.

According to sources, the department has similarly directed major Medical Teaching Institutions (MTIs) to remain prepared and to stay linked with the Health Department's control room for real-time data sharing.