Artesian wells dug in Surin

Hospital still in dire need of water

Artesian wells are being dug at the state-run Surin Hospital crippled by a shortage of water, said Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul who toured the province yesterday.

Mr Anutin made an urgent visit to the hospital, which serves as the primary medical centre in Surin and nearby provinces. The facility has been battered by drought which has hit Surin hard in recent days.

The ministry has worked closely with various agencies in sending a team of technicians to drill the artesian wells at the hospital which requires a constant supply of water to keep it functioning.

Surin Hospital uses 800,000 litres to 1,000,000 litres of water on a daily basis. However, in recent days, outside agencies have marshalled resources to deliver a supply of only 80,000 litres — 10% of normal consumption levels.

Mr Anutin said yesterday he has instructed hospital staff to devise a water management plan involving sustainable water reserves. Alternative water sources will be needed in case of emergency. Medical staff are also ordered to prepare to treat diseases caused by water shortages.

Accompanying Mr Anutin on the trip was Deputy Interior Minister Songsak Thongsri. Mr Anutin said the government stepped in to help alleviate the water crisis after the provincial office was no longer able to handle the problem on its own.

The water shortage is being tackled in a collaboration between the Interior Ministry, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the military and local businesses.

Prapon Tangsrikiattikul, the deputy public health permanent secretary, said Surin Hospital has managed to get by on a water supply from local administrative organisations and other agencies and private businesses.

A total of eight artesian wells will be dug around the hospital equipped with two large water filter machines. The digging is expected to be finished on Thursday. The hospital, which treats 1,700 out-patients and 800 inpatients on a daily basis, operates surgeries, an intensive care unit and dialysis equipment.

Meanwhile, government spokeswoman Narumon Pinyosinwat said yesterday the military was moving heavy equipment to drill artesian wells in drought-stricken areas of Surin. Deputy Agriculture Minister Thamanat Prompow will oversee artificial rain making operations to ease drought in the Northeast. He will work with the the 2nd Region Army, the spokeswoman said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha will travel to Surin to inspect progress on Aug 19.