With heavy rains triggering flood-like conditions across several parts of Maharashtra, the state’s health department has been placed on high alert to ensure uninterrupted medical services, Public Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Prakash Abitkar said on Tuesday.
Chairing a state-level emergency meeting at Arogya Bhavan, Ambitkar reviewed the preparedness of the department and directed all senior officials to stay in “alert mode”. Health officers from Akola, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Nashik, and Latur divisions attended the meeting via video-conferencing.
“All district and divisional officers must monitor health centres in their areas, ensure adequate stock of medicines, and keep 108 and 102 ambulances ready,” said Abitkar. He also instructed doctors to remain at headquarters and respond immediately to any disruption in services due to flooding.
If health centres are affected, prompt repairs and alternative arrangements should be made, he added. Flood-hit patients must receive immediate treatment, and temporary medical camps should be set up for displaced citizens, the minister directed officials.
He also ordered daily testing of drinking water sources, on-ground treatment of displaced patients, and insecticide spraying to prevent post-flood disease outbreaks.
“Doctors and staff must be available 24×7. The department is committed to providing emergency health support to citizens in any crisis,” Abitkar said.
The meeting was attended by Director of Health Services Dr Vijay Kandevad and other senior officials. The department has also begun preparations to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
CM Fadnavis, deputy CMs visit flood-hit regions in state, assure immediate relief to farmers
Maharashtra Chief Minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy CMs, Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar on Wednesday visited the flood-hit regions in the state following heavy rains and assured immediate relief to the affected farmers.
CM Fadnavis visited Darfal village in Solapur district on Wednesday to assess the damage caused by the ongoing floods in the region. Several areas across the state have been facing flood-like conditions due to continuous heavy rainfall, prompting urgent rescue and relief operations.
Eknath Shinde said on Wednesday that the government would provide all possible assistance to rain-hit farmers in the state.
He was speaking to reporters after visiting flood-affected pockets in the Dharashiv district in the Marathwada region along with Shiv Sena leader Tanaji Sawant. During the tour, Shinde interacted with farmers and flood-affected people.
