Chandigarh, August 17:
In a proactive and swift response to the flood-like conditions affecting several districts, the Government of Punjab under the leadership of CM Bhagwant Mann has mobilized a comprehensive health and emergency response network.Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh announced that 438 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs), 323 Mobile Medical Teams, and 172 ambulances have been mobilized to ensure timely medical aid in affected regions.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan on Sunday, Dr Balbir Singh emphasising the government’s commitment said, “Our priority is to reach every person in need and ensure no one is left without medical help during these critical times. Punjab is fully prepared to meet any health emergency arising due to floods,” he said.
Highlighting swift intervention in Gurdaspur, the Minister shared that when seven villages were cut off due to rising waters, the Health Department introduced the innovative concept of boat ambulances. “This quick response helped us rescue eight pregnant women, one of whom safely delivered her child under medical supervision. Similar measures have been implemented in the flood-hit island of Kalu in Firozpur,” he added.
He informed that Medical preparedness has been further strengthened through health camps set up in Kapurthala and Hoshiarpur, where 241 patients have already received treatment. These cases included diarrhoea, gastroenteritis, fever, skin allergies, and eye infections. With over 2,000 hospital beds kept ready across districts, the state has created a strong buffer to tackle any possible epidemic.
Reassuring citizens regarding water-borne diseases, Dr Balbir Singh said, “So far, we have seen only sporadic cases. However, people must remain vigilant. Health staff, ASHAs, and peripheral centers are well-equipped with chlorine tablets, ORS, and essential medicines. In case the number of cases rises in any particular pocket, we have seamless linkages to secondary and tertiary care hospitals for immediate treatment,” he said.
He also urged people to rely on the government’s 104 Toll free Helpline Number to report health issues and seek assistance. “Every household should consume only boiled or chlorinated water, request health teams for water quality testing, and avoid stale food to check the spread of diseases,” he emphasized.
The Punjab Health Department has been closely coordinating with SDRF, NDRF, the Military, IMA, Red Cross and NGOs to ensure medical and rescue facilities in high-risk areas including Firozpur, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, Gurdaspur, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala.
Dr Balbir Singh also highlighted the encouraging results of Punjab’s ongoing ‘Har Shukarvaar, Dengue Te Vaar’ campaign launched last year. “Every Friday, we actively eliminate mosquito breeding sites with the help of panchayats and local bodies. This year till August 17, Punjab has reported zero dengue deaths, compared to 35-40 deaths annually in previous years. Dengue cases are under control, and we are continuing fumigation, larvae surveillance, and testing at a threefold increased rate,” said the Minister.
Similarly, diarrhoea outbreaks have also been significantly contained, with only three minor episodes reported this season.
Dr Balbir Singh reaffirmed that there is absolutely no shortage of medicines in any government health facility across Punjab. “Our teams are working 24/7 to protect citizens, and we are confident the state is well-prepared to handle any medical emergency caused by floods.”
