Health Dept deploys 74 Rapid Response Teams across dist

In response to the ongoing flood crisis, the Health Department of Ludhiana has intensified its efforts to safeguard public health, deploying 74 Rapid Response Teams across the district. The initiative aims to curb the spread of waterborne, food-borne and mosquito-borne diseases and ensure uninterrupted medical care in both rural and urban areas.

Civil Surgeon Ramandeep Kaur, accompanied by Assistant Civil Surgeon Vivek Kataria and District Epidemiologist Sheetal Narang, visited Sasrali (Raur Complex) village, Koom Kalan block, on Thursday to assess the ground situation. During the visit, the Civil Surgeon inspected medical teams, reviewed the availability of essential medicines and issued directives to further strengthen health services in flood-affected zones.

Dr Kaur said 63 teams had been deployed in rural areas and 11 in urban pockets, all working round-the-clock to monitor disease outbreaks, provide immediate treatment, ensure safe drinking water and conduct mosquito-control drives.

“The state government is committed to ensure that no resident is left without medical support during this critical time,” she said.

She urged residents to take preventive measures seriously — consume only boiled or chlorinated water, avoid uncovered or spoiled food and maintain strict personal hygiene.

“Hand washing with soap before meals and after using the toilet must be practiced diligently,” she added.

To prevent mosquito breeding, Dr Kaur advised people to ensure there was no stagnant water. She told residents to sleep under mosquito nets. In case of symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice or skin rashes, residents should contact the nearest health facility or Rapid Response Team.

The Civil Surgeon further assured that the government had ensured adequate stock of essential medicines, ORS, chlorine tablets and other supplies. Health workers have been instructed to intensify public awareness campaigns and mosquito-control activities across the district.

“With 74 Rapid Response Teams on the ground, our goal is to ensure timely medical care and prevent any disease from going undetected,” Dr Kaur emphasised.

She appealed to the public to cooperate fully and follow health advisories, assuring that the department will continue its dedicated services till the situation stabilises.