|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Tuesday, 20 May 2003 |
 |
|
 |
News | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
by Bharatha Malawaraarachchi The Disaster Management Cell in its first meeting yesterday decided to implement a series of action plans to ensure the welfare and safety of nearly 70,000 people affected by the floods. Provincial health authorities and epidemiologists in the flood affected areas have been put on alert and were instructed to increase their vigilance for water borne diseases and take necessary measures to prevent any outbreak of disease. It has already been decided to implement a Disaster Management Plan and this has now been communicated to all health staff and the hospitals. The Disaster Management Cell (DMC) was established by the Health Secretary on the instructions of the Health Minister and its first meeting was held at the Ministry premises yesterday. The meeting was attended by Health Secretary Dr. Reggie Perera, Director General, Health Services Dr. Athula Kahandaliyanage, Deputy Director Generals Dr. Dula De Silva, Dr. Manil Fernando, Dr. Terrance de Silva and epidemiologist Dr. Kulathilake. Following the meeting, epidemiologists in the flood affected areas were instructed to be on alert and increase their vigilance in collaboration with the Rapid Response Team. A circular was also issued by the Director General instructing provincial health authorities to mobilise adequate health staff to flood affected areas from other areas. The Ministry has already taken steps to mobilise more Public Health Inspectors (PHI) to the affected areas and an instruction letter in this regard has already been sent to the Provincial Health authorities. The DMC also decided to seek the support and cooperation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in countering any possible health risk to the public. "We have decided to request the WHO to provide us 100,000 water purification tablets, 600,000 doses for Japanese Encephalitis vaccine and 100,000 oral Typhoid vaccines." |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
