LOHIAN KHAS
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Sunday directed the medical teams of the Health Department to be ready to provide healthcare services and medical checkups of people at their doorsteps in flood-hit areas across the state.
The Health Minister, who went to Gidderpindi villages on Sunday morning, met medical teams deputed in the area to know about the medical problems being faced by the residents of affected villages. He asked the teams led by specialized doctors to start extending door-to-door medical assistance in the areas immediately after the water level receded besides utilizing the motorboats for medical aid in emergency cases so as to ensure requisite treatment well in time.
On being asked about the extent of different water-borne and vector-borne diseases, which are expected during a flood situation, the SMO in charge Dr Davinder Pal Singh apprised the minister that so far no particular disease had got prevalence and mostly the situation was under control and medical teams was keeping a continuous track.
Accompanied by Shahkot SDM Rishabh Bansal, Civil Surgeon Dr. Raman Sharma and Shahkot SMO Dr. Devinderpal Singh, the Health Minister appreciated the efforts being put in by the health teams. He said that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was personally monitoring the situation and the State Government would extend all possible help to the people facing tough times. He directed the health teams that free medicines and medical aid should reach the houses of patients so as to avoid any hardship to be faced by the needy people.
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh met renowned environmentalist and Rajya Sabha Member Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal at the breach site in Mandala Channa village. He discussed about the current situation with Sant Seechewal and was apprised that as many as 25 medical and 16 rapid response teams were providing medical facilities in the area. He commended the efforts of the District Administration and Sangat to plug the breach under the supervision of Sant Seechewal within a few days’ time. Rajya Sabha Member gave detailed information to the Minister about the plight of villages. Others present included District Family Welfare Officer Dr. Raman Gupta, SMO Dr. Gurmit Lal, and A.H.O. Dr. Satjit Kaur.