Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Jammu & Kashmir floods: 12 rapid reaction teams deployed to tackle outbreaks

jammu-floodsAfter the devastating floods in Jammu and Kashmir, life is slowly coming back to normal. Apart from killing hundreds of lives in the state, the floods resulted in loss of about Rs 150 crore in the healthcare sector and medical facilities. Major government-run hospitals like SMHS Hospital, Lala Ded Maternity Hospital, SKIMS Medical College Hospital Bemina, Bone and Joints Hospital and the lone children’s hospital – G B Pant had suspended their operations. But slowly, the healthcare conditions are now improving. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, too, assured the state government to provide necessary help for restoration of medical facilities.


According to an official statement the J&K government has deployed 12 rapid reaction teams to counter the outbreak of any epidemic in the flood-hit state. Out of those, three teams have been constituted in Srinagar city, the worst hit cities, while others have been set up in other districts of the valley. ‘Though the possibility of spread of any epidemic or disease has been ruled out by the experts, the step has been taken as a precaution and back up support,’ the spokesman said. Immunization of the children in the age group of 6 months to 15 years is also in full swing with more than seven lakh vaccines given already.



Here’s how you can help:


You can either contribute financially or donate materials like blankets, sheets, clothes (trousers, salwar kameez), tents, napkins, and dry food ingredients and items like sugar, salt, pulses, tea, coffee, grains. Apart from these you can also donate the following medicine supplies.


Non-prescription drugs:


  • Water purifier tablets

  • Oral rehydration salts

  • Paracetamol

  • Painkillers like ibuprofen

  • First aid supplies like band aid, cotton, antispetic solution and bandage

  • Topical antibiotics like Betadine

  • Vitamin supplements

  • Hydrogen peroxide

  • Iron Sulfate used to treat iron deficiency anemia

Prescription drugs:


  • Amoxicilin

  • Doxycline

  • Ciprofloxacin

  • Norflox TZ

  • Anti tetanus lg

  • Permethrin Cream 5%

  • Lindane lotion 1%

A few organisations like Uday Foundation and Goonj are accepting donations in the form of materials as well as finances. Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday appealed all Indians to make generous donations to the PM’s National Relief Fund for the flood-affected people in Jammu and Kashmir (PMNRF). You can also contribute through communities likeKashmiri Volunteers in Delhi: Flood Relief) on social networking sites like Facebook. However, you need to confirm the details by visiting the site before making a contribution. (Read more about Jammu & Kashmir floods: How can you help and contribute)


With inputs from PTI


Photo source: Getty images


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