Health Department readies 6,431 emergency beds for cyclone

The Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare has readied 6,431 emergency beds, 630 medical teams and 716 vehicles as part of its preparedness for the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab.

Health Secretary G. Veerapandian and Health and Family Welfare Commissioner K.V.N. Chakradhar Babu reviewed the preparedness measures during a teleconference with senior officials and district medical authorities on Monday evening.

Officials informed them that essential medicines had been stocked, including 13,101 doses of anti-snake venom (ASV). A total of 254 ambulances, 136 Thalli Bidda Express vehicles and 326 mobile medical vehicles have been kept ready for deployment.

The authorities have identified 2,632 pregnant women likely to deliver in the next two weeks. Of them, 1,075 have been shifted to hospitals and other designated healthcare facilities to ensure safe deliveries and timely medical assistance.

Hospitals have arranged generators and alternative power supplies to ensure uninterrupted treatment during power outages. Measures have also been taken to protect drinking water sources from contamination, with chlorine tablets and other disinfection supplies kept ready.

The department has strengthened disease surveillance to prevent outbreaks caused by contaminated food and water, mosquitoes and other insects in the aftermath of the cyclone.

Meanwhile, the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) has urged people in cyclone-affected areas to report emergencies and local problems through the Mana Mitra WhatsApp Governance platform.

People can report power outages, fallen trees, collapsed walls, waterlogging and other cyclone-related issues by sending “Hi” to 9552300009 on WhatsApp.

To register a complaint, users must select ‘Arnab Cyclone Issues’, followed by ‘Report Issue’ and ‘Confirm’. They can then select ‘Registration’, enter their name, district and mandal, describe the problem and upload photographs, if available.

The registered grievances will be forwarded to the concerned local authorities for necessary action and early resolution.