Health Minister reviews relief measures in disaster-hit Seraj

Health, Family Welfare, Social Justice & Empowerment and Sainik Welfare Minister Dr (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil today visited the disaster-affected areas of Seraj in Mandi district to assess the situation and ongoing relief efforts. Interacting with affected families, he assured them of the government’s firm commitment to support and rehabilitate them.

He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, immediate relief has been provided. An emergency fund of Rs 7 crore has already been released for the region. Homeless families will receive Rs 7 lakh each for rebuilding their houses, in addition to Rs 5,000 per month for six months as rental assistance. The state is also considering reclassifying homes with partial damage or filled with debris as fully damaged to allow for enhanced compensation. Financial aid will also be extended for loss of household goods and livestock.

Revenue officials have been directed to conduct comprehensive surveys of all damage, including to apple orchards and floriculture units. The government is mulling a one-time rehabilitation policy for permanent resettlement of severely impacted families.

Highlighting the toll on rural health infrastructure, Dr. Shandil informed that special health initiatives have been launched in hard-hit areas such as Thunag and Janjehli. Over 13,353 people have undergone health check-ups, and more than 5,527 patients have received doorstep delivery of essential medicines. Emergency medical kits, including 62 boxes of medicines and injections, have been dispatched to health centres in Janjehli, Bagsyad, and Karsog.

The department is also distributing chlorine tablets, ORS packets, and conducting door-to-door awareness drives to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases. A maternity waiting home has been set up in Bagsyad to ensure safe childbirth, while critical patients are being referred to Medical College Nerchowk and Regional Hospital Mandi.

Restoration of essential services is also underway. Out of 241 damaged water supply schemes in Thunag division, 167 have been temporarily restored, and 339 hand pumps activated to meet water needs.

Congress leader Jagdish Reddy and NHM Deputy GM Dr. Gopal Beri accompanied Dr. Shandil during the visit, along with senior officials coordinating relief operations.