Hospitals told to gear up for floods

MOBILE MEDICAL TEAMS TO BE SET UP

>> Hospitals in 44 provinces were yesterday instructed to devise preventive measures against possible flooding.

Sopon Mekthon, permanent secretary for public health, yesterday said the ministry had ordered 44 hospitals in flood-prone areas, particularly waterfront hospitals, in four regions — the Central Plains, East, Northeast and South — to be prepared to cope with inundation.

Sandbags and water pumps must be procured with reserved fuel, drainage systems must be cleaned up to make way for the flow of water while electric power systems must also be inspected, he said.

Medical equipment and supplies had to be relocated to higher ground or places inaccessible to floodwater. Sufficient basic necessities must be well stored for patients, he said.

Dr Sopon said the ministry also ordered those hospitals to roll out medical service management plans for the public in the event of flooding. Mobile medical teams would be set up to deliver treatment for patients in flood-ravaged zones.

In addition, a survey will be conducted on patients who need special medical care including those with chronic illnesses, the elderly, the disabled, pregnant women and mothers convalescing at hospitals after their delivery.

Hospital staff were also instructed to keep themselves updated on weather forecasts, Dr Sopon said.

He also advised preventive measures against drowning during flooding, warning people in flood-hit areas not to go fishing or collect plant yields.

Those who consumed alcohol should not go into water while children should be prohibited from playing in water since they could be swept away by flash floods.

Residents should carry life vests or empty gallon cans to help them float in water. Those who travel should have companions to help each other.

In case of emergencies, they could call 1669 for the Emergency Medical Service around the clock.

Meanwhile, a big cleaning day event was also launched by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in eight Bangkok eight districts: Klong San, Chom Thong, Taling Chan, Thawi Watthana, Thon Buri, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok Yai and Bang Phlat.

Garbage and weeds were cleared out of waterways along roads in the districts to facilitate water flow.

Watercourses were also dredged so they can absorb rainwater while drainage systems will be cleaned as a measure against flooding.

The event’s opening ceremony was chaired by deputy Bangkok governor Jakkapan Phiewngam.

Mr Jakkapan said the clean-up campaign was jointly conducted by City Hall officials, police, military officers and the private sector in response to Bangkok governor Pol Gen Aswin Kwanmuang’s clean city policy.