Take measures to prevent spread of epidemics in flooded areas, says Min Sudhakar to officials

Bengaluru: Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar has instructed officials to take necessary precautions in the flood-prone areas of the State in order to prevent spread of any epidemics.

The minister held a meeting with senior officials on Friday on the steps to be taken to deal with flood-hit villages, evacuated villages, care centres for the flood affected and prepare for the potential challenges ahead.

“Flood affected people who are sheltered in care centers should be provided with clean drinking water and quality food. It is advisble to boil and filter water if purified water units are not available. Cleanliness within and outside the centers should be given priority, daily spraying of antibiotics and health checks of all at the center must be conducted,” he said.

“Senior citizens, infants, pregnant women and children should be taken to the nearest primary care center, community health unit or taluk hospital for special care. Patients with fever and other symptoms should be promptly tested for COVID-19 and treated if they test positive. Masks should be distributed to all those in the care centers. Sanitizers and other facilities for cleanliness must also be made along with implementation of compulsory physical distancing,” he added.

“If there is no PHCs or other health facilities in the vicinity of the care centers, then a large number of mobile health units should be set up,” Sudhakar instructed.

The minister also reviewed the progress of the department’s various programs and projects during the meeting.