As relief operations get under way in full swing in all flood-ravaged districts, the Health Department will focus all its attention on preventing any infectious disease outbreaks through close surveillance, monitoring, and coordination of all public health activities.
Addressing media persons here on Monday, Health Minister K.K. Shylaja said that a full-fledged 24x7 State-level control room and call centre had started functioning at the office of the Director of Health Services, which would handle all public queries regarding public health and medical issues. It would also coordinate the conduct of all medical camps and supply of medicines in all districts.
The control room can be accessed through the toll-free number 1800 1231 454.
Any medical requirements of the public in the flood-affected areas can be passed on to the control room. Offers of free medical services would have to be coordinated through the control room.
“We are focussing our attention on disease surveillance and reporting so that any possible health issues can be detected and managed early. There will be at least one health worker in every relief camp, who will be responsible for monitoring and reporting on the health issues that any camp resident may have and do the needful. Cancer patients or those requiring dialysis will also be taken care of,” Ms. Shylaja said.
Expensive medicines such as insulin, medicines for respiratory issues such as asthma, and anti-snake venom were all being arranged, she said.
Medicine supply
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Rajeev Sadanandan said that there was no possibility of a drug shortage as all three regional drug stores had more than double the quantity of drug stock required and any shortfall could be covered in 12 hours. That apart, 100 tonnes of medical supplies were arriving from the Centre on Monday night, he said.
He said that the website of the DHS (www.dhs.kerala.gov.in) had the list of nodal officers in districts.
Those wishing to donate drugs may contact the control room.
