724 medical teams deployed across 13 districts in response to Cyclone 'Murasu'

According to a report by The Hindu, in view of the potential threat from severe cyclonic storm 'Murasu', the Department of Health, Medical and Family Welfare has made special arrangements in 13 districts. A total of 724 medical teams, 4,628 emergency beds, and 205 relief camps have been kept ready to deal with any emergency situation. In a list released by the department on Monday, November 2, it was stated that out of 866 government hospitals in the state, 398 hospitals are located in areas that could be affected by the cyclone.

To ensure emergency medical services, 359 ambulances (108), 128 Thalli Bidda Express vehicles (102), and 320 Mobile Medical Units (104) have been made available. The ambulance services have been linked to the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS) portal, which also includes about 300 private ambulances. Through this system, rapid and efficient management of ambulances in needy areas will be possible.

Officials have identified 3,066 pregnant women whose estimated date of delivery is between November 1 and 10. Out of these, 1,103 women have been shifted to nearby hospitals, while arrangements are being made to shift the remaining women to safe places in advance as per requirement. Delivery facilities have been arranged for these women in government and private hospitals near their residences.

Special arrangements have been made at 121 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Urban Primary Health Centres (UPHCs) in coastal areas. A stock of 15,161 anti-snake venom injections has been kept for the treatment of snakebite cases. In addition, generator and alternative power supply facilities have been made available in 848 hospitals. Sanitation measures have been taken to prevent the spread of waterborne, mosquito-borne, and foodborne diseases. A sufficient quantity of chlorine tablets has also been stored for water purification.

The main objective of all these preparations is to provide immediate medical assistance to citizens during the cyclone and to avoid potential loss of life. The health department has also activated control rooms to continuously monitor the situation so that immediate help can be provided if needed. Department officials are working in coordination with the local administration by remaining in constant contact. Given the severity of the cyclone, all medical staff have been kept on alert mode and instructions have been given not to show any kind of negligence. These arrangements will prove to be very important in the treatment of patients during the impact of the cyclone in the coming days.