In response to the devastating floods impacting thousands of villages across Punjab, the state government has swiftly initiated a robust door-to-door health campaign targeting affected communities. This strategic effort aims to provide preventive healthcare and curb potential disease outbreaks in the flood-ravaged areas.
Over 3.89 lakh residents in more than 2,300 villages have been affected by the flooding, leading to tragic losses and widespread displacement. To address this, the government has mobilized the entire healthcare workforce — including government doctors, private volunteers, Ayurveda practitioners, and medical interns — to ensure that every village receives medical attention and preventive care.
Key Components of the Health Initiative
The campaign is structured around three major activities:
- Health and Medical Camps: Daily camps are being set up across 2,303 villages to provide medical support. For 596 villages equipped with health facilities such as Aam Aadmi Clinics, the camps operate on-site, while in the remaining villages, public spaces like schools and community centers serve as temporary healthcare hubs.
- Door-to-Door Visits: More than 11,000 ASHA workers are conducting weekly house visits, distributing essential health kits containing items like mosquito repellents, ORS, chlorine tablets, and basic medicines. These visits also focus on screening for illnesses and educating villagers on disease prevention.
- Fumigation and Vector Control: For the next 21 days, teams are carrying out extensive fumigation and larvicidal treatments to prevent outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria. These efforts cover households, schools, markets, and other public areas.
The government has ensured that essential medicines and consumables are sufficiently stocked and readily available at all medical camps, with local districts empowered to procure additional supplies as needed.
Supporting Livestock and Restoring Markets
Recognizing the critical role of livestock in rural livelihoods, a dedicated plan has been launched to protect 2.53 lakh animals affected by floodwaters. Veterinary teams are carrying out mass vaccinations, emergency treatments, and thorough disinfection of animal shelters. Free distribution of disinfectants and medicines is underway, alongside nutritional support to combat deficiencies.
Additionally, a special campaign has commenced to clear flood-related debris and waterlogging from grain markets in affected districts. The objective is to ensure all mandis are fully operational before the start of the Kharif procurement season on September 16, with restoration efforts expected to conclude by September 19.
Urban Cleanliness and Relief Oversight
Urban Local Bodies have been tasked with a focused cleanup drive to remove silt, sand, and debris from towns hit by floods, supported by designated teams working intensively from mid-September for ten days. The aim is to restore sanitation and supply safe drinking water, complemented by preventive health measures.
To oversee flood damage assessment and streamline relief distribution, the government has appointed special nodal officers across districts. Their role includes supervising aid delivery, evaluating crop and property losses, and ensuring timely compensation to flood-affected families.
Through these coordinated health, veterinary, market restoration, and urban sanitation initiatives, Punjab is striving to bring swift relief and stability to communities grappling with the aftermath of the severe floods.
