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Health Authorities launch anti-disease campaign in disaster areas
View(s):Health Authorities launched a programme to prevent water borne and mosquito borne diseases in the aftermath of floods and landslides.
Deputy Director (Health Services) Ministry of Health (MoH), Dr. Harsha de Silva told the Sunday Times they intend to conduct a mass clearing and clearance campaign in the flood affected areas, with the help of civilians and the Tri-Forces, .
The MoH has deployed more than 1,000 volunteer doctors to the flood affected areas, while coordinators have been appointed in these areas to assess the Health situation.
“We have appointed 24-30 Health Education Medical Officers to educate the victims of personal hygiene and environmental sanitation, as a means of preventing future diseases,” he said.
Dr de Silva said there were no reports of epidemics from these areas. However, he added that, victims are receiving treatment for gastroenteritis, hepatitis, skin diseases and fungal diseases.
The MoH has also deployed 40 Psychiatrists.
According to Dr de Silva, the most common ailment among victims of a disaster is their unstable psychology. During this period, suicidal tendencies and depression are most common.
Medical attention to flood affected areas have been carried out by the designated Provincial Director of Health Services (PDHS).
Meanwhile the recent floods and continuing rains have created more potential breeding places for mosquitoes which could result in another dengue outbreak, health officials warned.
Dengue Control Unit, Consultant Community Physician Dr. Prechila Samaraweera told the Sunday Times that the main task at hand is to dispose of containers and other potential breeding sites.
Dr. Samaraweera said a special dengue preventive programme was launched on June 1, with the assistance of village committees in areas where residents have gone back to their normal routine despite facing mild flood situations. It was begun in seven districts; Kegalle, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Kandy, Matale, Jaffna and Batticaloa.
The programme comprising 2,500 teams involves the Army, Police, Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) and Medical Officers of Health (MOHs).