Gandhinagar, July 7 (IANS). Gujarat Health Minister Prafulla Pansheriya said that the health department is fully alert amid the continuous heavy rains in the state and the health challenges arising from it. He said that two children from Godhra taluka have died after being found infected with Chandipura virus. Describing this incident as tragic, he said that health department teams are continuously engaged in monitoring and rescue work in the affected areas.
Speaking to reporters, the Health Minister said, “Red alert is in force due to heavy rainfall in many districts of Gujarat and it has been raining continuously for the last 12 hours at many places. In view of this, the Health Department has held a review meeting with senior officials. Necessary instructions have been issued to officials of all the districts so that any emergency can be dealt with effectively.”
He said, “Availability of essential medicines has been ensured in all Primary Health Centers (PHCs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), hospitals and medical colleges in the state. Adequate quantities of anti-venom and other essential medicines have been made available, especially keeping in mind the increasing cases of snake and scorpion bites during the rainy season.”
“Extensive preparations have also been made for the prevention of waterborne and infectious diseases. Medicines to treat diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and other seasonal diseases have been delivered to all health centres. Medical teams have been kept on standby to deal with any possible situation and will be immediately sent to the affected areas if needed,” Prafulla Pansheriya said.
Regarding Chandipura virus, the minister said, “After the death of two children in two villages of Godhra taluka, special teams of the health department have been sent to the spot. Survey of the affected families as well as all the nearby houses is being done. Medical teams are going door-to-door to check the health of the people and pesticides are also being sprayed in the affected areas to prevent infection.”
He said, “Even in the year 2024, cases of Chandipura virus were reported in some areas of Gujarat. Those areas are also being continuously monitored so that the infection does not spread again. The aim of the health department is that if any new case comes to light, it should be identified in time and immediate treatment should be provided.”
–IANS
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