Health Ministry joins relief efforts in J-K

Indian Red Cross Society has also helped in the relief efforts

The Health Ministry has joined relief operations in Jammu and Kashmir by sending over 1000 tonnes of medicines, water-purifying plants and teams of doctors and experts to the flood-ravaged state.

A 20-member clinical team comprising physicians, pediatricians and reproductive health specialists have been deployed in Srinagar, an official statement said, adding that a 10-member team has been there since September 10.

The ministry has set up a control room here to monitor the situation in the state round-the-clock.

Acting on the request of the state government for supply of 23 medicines, health ministry has dispatched five medicines while 13 drugs have been supplied in part and remaining five drugs are being procured on an urgent basis.

"Around 100 tonnes of medicines have been sent so far," the statement said.

Over 998500 chlorine tablets too have been sent by Air Force planes.

The ministry said a public health team each in Jammu and Srinagar has been present since September 8 for rapid health assessment and to prevent and control public health exigencies.

Two psycho-social teams for psycho-social need assessment are being sent tomorrow from National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, it said.

Indian Red Cross Society has also helped relief efforts by supplying 1082 tents (each to house eight people). In addition, they have sent 750 tarpaulins, 1000 kitchen sets and 2500 blankets, the statement said.

"Two water purification plants each having a capacity of purifying around 50,000 liters per day and six small water purification units along with operators have been dispatched today from Delhi by Air Force," it said.