New Delhi, October 11
Hospitals and voluntary organisations are strengthening government efforts in rescuing people and reconstructing homes and hearths wiped out by the earthquake in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Health Ministry has kept a team of specialists on standby and sent medicines to quake affected areas in the state.
Talking with the TNS, Health Secretary P.K. Hota today said: “We are mobilising medical help through other central institutions within Jammu and Kashmir so that there is a plurality of action. We have kept 30 doctors specialising in trauma care on standby. We have already sent the WHO recommended list of medicines, including water purification tablets, antibiotics, injectibles, IV fluids and bandages, to the state government.”
“After immediate rescue and relief, we will do an immunisation round later as there may be chances of infection.”
Mr Hota said at a meeting convened by the Cabinet Secretary on Tuesday, it was decided that central institutions, including paramilitary forces and the power sector, would be supported by the Heath Ministry for medical care in the state.
The Insaniyat Trust, founded by Executive Director of Escorts Heart Institute Dr Naresh Trehan and philanthropists Reeta Khattar and Pam Kapoor, is putting together food, sweaters, blankets and tents for Uri.
The trust was started at the time of Kargil conflict and at that time it had sent 22 trucks of supplies for 5,000 families on the Dras-Leh road.
The trust had also lent a helping hand at the time of Bhuj earthquake in Gujarat and post-tsunami in Car Nicobar and Hut Bay with help from the Navy.
Dr Trehan told the TNS that they were requisitioning 1,000 tents and had ordered 5,000 blankets from Essma in Amritsar.
“We have spoken to the Army and they have agreed to transport our supplies, including food and sweaters. We hope to rehabilitate at least 1,000 families.”
Dr Trehan said sudden shock could precipitate a heart attack. “We are awaiting an assessment from the Army on the health requirements of the quake-affected population. We already have teams, equipped with material for general trauma and cardiac emergencies, on standby.”
