16 snakebite deaths post-floods, 22,000 skin infections, 19,000 cases of fever in Punjab

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh said that 22,000 skin infections, 19,000 fever cases, 10,000 eye ailments, 4,500 diarrhoea cases, and 16 snakebite deaths have been recorded post-floods.

The Minister said the government has provided Mission Chardi Kala as a transparent platform to channel contributions for flood-hit families.

He shared that he had donated Rs 1.25 lakh from his salary to the Chief Minister’s Flood Relief Fund earlier and another Rs 1.25 lakh to Mission Chardi Kala.

“Every rupee will be used honestly and will reach those in need,” he assured. Highlighting the Health Department’s efforts, Dr Balbir Singh said that 848 medical teams worked round the clock during the floods and continue to provide relief in affected areas.

“Despite damages of about Rs 780 crore to health infrastructure, our teams have organized special camps, checked 1.42 lakh people, and provided 87 essential medicines free of cost,” he noted.

The health department has also covered 92 lakh homes in its drive to prevent dengue, chikungunya, diarrhoea, cholera, and other diseases.

Dr Balbir Singh appealed especially to the medical fraternity, social service organizations, traders, and all Punjabis to support the mission generously. “Your contribution will help rebuild homes, restore farmlands and small businesses, and provide fodder for livestock,” he said, urging people to donate through the state government’s official portal: www.rangla.punjab.gov.in.