- Advertisement -
RAWALPINDI, Jul 18 (APP):In response to the flood crisis caused by heavy monsoon rains in Rawalpindi, the District Health Authority has accelerated its efforts to provide critical medical relief to affected communities.
A comprehensive operation is underway, with the setting up of a number of Medical Camps at various locations against the crisis.
Allied hospitals including THQs have been put on high alert to combat any emergency situation.
Spokesman DHA, Dr. Waqar Ahmad confirmed the proactive measures DHA has taken to reduce health risks amid monsoon. The camps staffed with doctors, paramedics, and supplied with medicines and first aid essentials have been engaged in medical relief activities.
Talking to APP, spokesman Dr. Waqar highlighted the extensive preparations underway.
“The health authority has established a network of flood medical camps to reach the most vulnerable areas, including area along Nala Lai, Chahan Dam on Chakri Road, Government Girls College Khayaban-e- Sir Syed and Gawalmundi, Darya Abad”, he said.
The network extends to Rawal Town, Rawalpindi Cantt and Pothohar Town, with locations such as Kattarian Bridge and Sharoon Colony at Sawan Camp ensuring comprehensive coverage.
“We have ensured a stockpile of 42,000 Aqua Tabs, 5,000 doses of Tetanus injections, 500 packets of Oral Rehydration Salts, 200 units of Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV), 2,000 Primaquine tablets, and 53 units of Anti-Snake Venom (ASV), all ready for distribution from district stores,” he said.
To a question on resource allocation, he added that these supplies are critical to addressing immediate health needs in flood-affected zones. The authority’s proactive approach aims to prevent outbreaks and provide timely care.
“Our teams include 5 Medical Officers, 5 Lady Health Visitors, 5 Dispensers, 5 Vaccinators, 5 CDC Supervisors, and 5 Support Staff, ensuring every camp is well-supported,” he said.
Despite the heaviest downpour of the year, the overall medical situation is under control as the district administration implemented a coordinated multi-pronged strategy which was devised on the instructions of the Puniab government as a preemptive planning measures. The health authority clarified that while no mobile teams were currently active, the focus remained on strengthening fixed locations.
The widespread flood camp locations include Kattarian Bridge, Bangash Colony Pirwadhai, Zia-Ul-Haq Colony Pirwadhai, Boring Road, Dhoke Mangtal, Pirwadhai Bridge Near PSO Pump, Dhoke Najju, Khayaban e Sir syed, Dhoke Dalal Near Chungi # 4, M. Hussain Bridge, Mehar Colony, Dhoke Hassu, Dhoke Ratta, Dhoke Elahi Buksh, Sadiqabad, Hazara Colony Bridge, Ganjmandi, Gawalmandi, Javed Colony-Nadeem Colony, Tipu Road, Aslam Market-Tahli Mori-Faisal Colony, Bakramandi, Jan Colony-Tench Bhatta, Pulli Akhri Stop-Tench Bhatta, Banaras Colony, Range Road and Sharoon Colony in Sawan Camp.
The coordinated mechanism among the hospitals is also in place. DHQ Teaching Hospital, Holy Family Hospital, Benazir Bhutto Hospital and THQ hospitals of the district have been put on high alert.
Dr. Ejaz Butt, MS, Holy Family Hospital, informed APP that the emergency department of the hospital has been further capacitated to receive the flood victims.
“Doctors and paramedical staff have assigned the duties in different departments to fully engage with the patients”, he said.
Dr. Ikramullah Niazi, MS, DHQ Hospital, also confirmed the readiness of the hospital to combat any emergency situation with special deployment of the healthcare staff and sparing wards and beds for flood victims. Similar arrangements have been made in BBH. Moreover, THQ Hospitals have also been instructed to fully comply with the emergency protocols.
Since the Punjab government has declared an emergency in the province to combat flood situations in the flood zones, Pindi’s district administration has also implemented the orders to impose section-144 in the district till 30th August amid predicted heavy monsoon rains.
A spokesman from the District Administration confirmed the APP, a well-coordinated strategy to counter any emergency situation, has been followed by various departments and organizations under the local government, in compliance with the National Action Plan (NAP).