Assam floods: Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviews public health preparedness

GUWAHATI: Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Saturday directed the health department officials to prepare an online database listing important information such as availability of beds, oxygen and other health facilities to ensure efficient management of any health emergency during Assam floods.
He chaired a meeting with the central and state agencies to review preparedness for flood management during the monsoon season in Assam, where over 37,000 people across 13 districts and subdivisions have been affected in the first wave of floods.
He discussed health related issues caused due to the floods via a video conference, duirng which they assessed the arrangements put in place by the central institutions and agencies of the state government to ensure effective management of floods in Assam.
Mandaviya insisted on the need for strong coordination between the central and state health institutions for effective management of flood and any other emergencies. He stressed on the need for preparedness of critical care equipment, oxygen, hospital beds and availability of clean drinking water in flood-affected areas. He further emphasised preventive healthcare and greater awareness among the communities regarding vector-borne and water-borne diseases.
"The Union health minister urged the officials to work on a flood-management model to deal with the flood situation in Assam, which is a recurring phenomenon. He directed them to prepare an online database listing all the important information like availability of beds, oxygen and other health facilities to ensure efficient management of any health emergency," stated a PIB release.