JAIPUR: Heavy rain, which battered western Rajasthan, has forced the health department to swing into action on Tuesday. The department has decided to set up a control room in all the flood-affected districts and in the state capital. The control room number in Jaipur will be 0141-2225624. A doctor will be available at the state headquarters while the support person at the district-level centre will help the callers to approach the authority concerned.
"We have asked the CMHOs to ensure adequate quantities of bleaching powder required for purification of water. Chlorine tablets have already been distributed in the areas. The rapid response teams at the districts have also been asked to be on high alert," said B R Meena, additional director, health department.
In a directive issued by the principal secretary, health, B N Sharma, the chief medical and health officer (CMHO) of these districts have been asked to make adequate arrangements to tide over the crisis arising out of waterlogging.
Besides, there is a huge possibility of spurt in diseases like malaria and dengue. Many water-borne diseases are also likely to increase. The overflow of sewerage water often contaminates the open water bodies and even seeps into the nearby water supply lines.
The health officials have been asked to establish facilities for provision of clean water in the affected areas. Amid possibility of contagious diseases caused by rotting dead animals and waste, the officials will also have to ensure availability of adequate medication.
"Often stray animals fall ill after eating animals killed in storm rains. Cases of snake bite can also increase in such areas. Thus the department will also ensure that anti-venom, anti-viral and vaccines are provided," another health official said.
Leaves of the health officials and government medical staff have also been put on hold following the sudden change in weather. Good rains are often accompanied with rise in number of malaria patients, thus the department will also intensify the malaria prevention activities in these areas.