Patna: The Bihar Health Department has stepped up preparations for possible flash floods and rising water levels in the upper catchment areas of the Gandak River in Nepal.
Health Minister Nishant, who chaired a high-level review meeting at the Health Department’s conference hall, directed officials to ensure medical preparedness in areas likely to be affected.
The department has identified West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Saran, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali as districts requiring special vigilance.
Pregnant Women To Be Relocated
Officials have been directed to prioritise pregnant women, lactating mothers, newborns and critically ill patients during any flood emergency.
The department has completed line-listing of pregnant women in flood-prone areas through ASHA and ANM workers. Women whose expected delivery dates fall during the flood months will be relocated to nearby primary health centres or safe delivery centres before flooding.
Boat Ambulances To Serve Cut-Off Areas
Boat ambulances and boat-based dispensaries will be deployed in areas that become submerged or isolated during floods.
The boats will have doctors and paramedical staff, along with essential life-saving medicines and first-aid kits.
The 102 ambulance service operating through primary and community health centres across Bihar has also been placed on round-the-clock alert. The service will facilitate the transfer of critically ill patients to larger hospitals during emergencies.
Buffer Stocks Of Medicines Prepared
According to the Health Department, a buffer stock of 60 essential medicines and vaccines has been made available in flood-prone districts through the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited.
Stocks of anti-snake venom and anti-rabies vaccine have also been ensured to manage snakebite and animal-bite cases.
The department has additionally arranged oral rehydration salts, zinc tablets and Halazone tablets for water purification. Bleaching powder and lime will be used for disinfection and to reduce the risk of diarrhoeal and other waterborne diseases.
Medical Camps At Relief Shelters
Temporary medical camps will be set up near relief shelters and community kitchens established for people displaced by flooding.
After the floodwaters recede, health teams will undertake spraying operations and surveillance to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
The department has also prepared a three-tier emergency coordination plan involving the State Disaster Response Force, National Disaster Response Force and, if required, the Army to support rapid delivery of emergency health services during the disaster.
