The district health department remains fully geared to meet any eventuality in the wake of possible release of water from Cheruthoni and Idamalayar dams owing to heavy rainfall, a release issued here said.
Government hospitals in areas identified by the State Disaster Management Authority as vulnerable to release of water from dams have been put on high alert and asked to remain operational round the clock. Institution heads have been asked to ensure availability of medicines and doctors for providing emergency medical care.
A round-the-clock control room (0484-2360802) will turn functional at the district medical office from Wednesday. Special medical teams capable of disaster management activities will be formed at Kothamangalam, Paravur and Perumbavoor taluk hospitals and Aluva district hospital. A team from General Hospital with the expertise in disaster management has also been kept ready.
Grant of leave except for emergency reasons remains restricted. Directions have been issued to government health centres likely to be affected by flooding to make alternative arrangements with the help of local bodies concerned. Safe keeping of medicines and medical equipment has been prioritised. Precautions to deals with constant power supply will also be taken.
Though there is no immediate threat, people in vulnerable areas have been asked to keep essential items like medicines, food, drinking water, cooking gas and kerosene ready in limited quantities. Oral dehydration salt to fight diarrhoea should be a priority. The district medical office also instructed people with wounds from venturing into polluted water and to drink only boiled water, Toll free number 1056 or 0471-2552056 can be contacted for health-related doubts.