Public health ministry order to ensure flooded Narathiwas is well stocked with medications
Dr. Sukhum Kanjanapimai, permanent secretary for the Public Health Ministry said this week that his Ministry has received an order from Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-Cha to have hospitals and medical centres in Narathiwas province stock up on drugs and medical supplies to provide aid to flood victims in the province.
Four districts of Narathiwas, namely Sungai Kolok, Sukirin, Sungai Padi, and Ra Ngae have been hit by flash floods since Monday affecting more than 20,000 victims in 8,130 households and temporarily closing 35 schools.
“All hospitals in Narathiwas are still open as usual while staff are monitoring the flood situation closely to make sure that all medical supplies are safe,” said the permanent secretary. “Furthermore, we have dispatched emergency teams of medical professionals and volunteers to visit flood victims and provide household drugs, athlete’s foot medication and drugs for heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.”
The emergency teams are also surveying pregnant women in flooded areas who are due in December and are unlikely to be able to travel to the hospitals in order to prepare suitable assistance when the babies come, he added.
“Citizens should take care of their health and not let their children swim in flooded areas,” said Sukhum. “If you experience itchiness after contacting with flood water, you should wash your body with clean water and dry off properly. In case the areas exposed to flood water become inflamed or you see pus, see the doctor immediately.”
“For emergency medical needs, call hotline 1669 which is open around the clock,” he added.