We have set up medical camps and intensified fogging: Health Secretary

Chennai

Health Secretary in the State government Dr J Radhakrishnansaid in an interview that the requisite action had been taken to prevent theoutbreak of any water-borne or contagious diseases in the areas hit by floodsin the aftermath of the rains. He was referring to orders that Chief Minister JJayalalithaa had issued to address the flood situation in Chennai andCuddalore. Excerpts from an interview with dtNEXT.

What steps has the Health Department taken to preventwater-borne diseases, like diarrhoea and dengue?

The CM’s orders saw Chennai alone have 236 medical camps,which are being set up every day which victims from the affected areas visitand receive treatment. Precautionary measures have been taken through mobilecamps. These teams consist of doctors, nurses, health inspectors,village health workers and helpers, about 4,000 personnel in total, who areinvolved in prevention activities.  Thecommon complaints are fever, diarrhoea and leg injuries. The herbal remedy,Nilavembu water, which was prescribed at the CM’s behest in 2012 to controldengue, is being administered to the people over the next five days at 1,061special medical camps.

And the measures you took to contain an epidemic?

We are partnering with local bodies, such as Metro Water andthe TN Water Supply and Drainage Board to have chlorine mixed in water to besupplied in the areas where flood water has drained away. To make sure that thewater is safe for drinking, the chlorine level is also checked when distributedthrough tankers. Bleaching powder has been applied in sewage-strewn areas andfogging has also been intensified to control the mosquito menace. The CM hasasked for all government hospitals and PHCs to be stocked with all thenecessary medicines.

“Close to 1,116 medical camps have been set up across thestate with about 1.25 lakh people benefitting. Mobile camps have also beendeployed with jeeps, ferrying 402 medical teams”. — Dr J Radhakrishnan, HealthSecretary to the State