Protecting the vulnerable

When natural disasters hit any region, all population is affected, but vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and children, are the worst affected, especially those dependent on welfare programmes like the mid-day meal (MDM) scheme and Anganwadi services. In Punjab, these programmes have faced major disruptions due to recent floods. Damage to food-supply chains and restricted access to healthcare services have increased the risks of malnutrition and health complications among these populations.

Impact

The floods severely damaged grain stocks and other supplies designated for the MDM scheme, a crucial source of nutrition for millions of schoolchildren in Punjab. Contaminated and waterlogged supplies had to be discarded, and kitchens, utensils, etc, would need to thoroughly disinfected before restarting services.

Malnutrition concerns

Although data for Punjab is still forthcoming, insights from neighbouring South Punjab in Pakistan provide a concerning picture. UNICEF-led nutritional screenings in flood-affected areas revealed alarming rates of malnutrition among children and pregnant/lactating women, with over 246,000 people affected. These findings emphasise the urgent need to address potential malnutrition risks in similar vulnerable populations in the state.

Government response

Relief operations: The Punjab government has undertaken extensive measures to meet the immediate needs of pregnant women, children, and other affected populations. More than 11,000 Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers have been mobilised to conduct door-to-door visits. The government also set up 458 rapid response teams and 360 mobile medical units to provide urgent medical care, especially in remote and isolated areas.

The National Disaster Management Authority distributed ration bags containing essential food items and supplements.

Maternal and child health focus: Relief camps have been supplied with health kits containing sanitary pads, mosquito nets, and basic medicines to combat vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, which tend to rise after floods. To facilitate safe childbirth and emergency care, Punjab deployed 424 ambulances, including specially equipped boat ambulances to reach flooded areas. Medical professionals are conducting health camps in flood-affected villages, offering preventive healthcare, nutritional counselling, immunisation, and early screenings for malnutrition and illness among children and pregnant women.

Community and institutional support: Local institutions have contributed significantly to relief efforts. Many organisations have donated to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Milkfed Punjab has ensured continuous supply of fresh milk and dairy products to affected families.

— The writer is Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh