Gujarat deploys 18,000 surveillance teams, 6,868 medical camps to prevent post-flood outbreak

Gandhinagar, August 4: In the aftermath of heavy rains that triggered flooding in parts of south and central Gujarat, the state health department has launched an extensive public health response. Over 6,868 medical camps have been organised and more than 18,000 surveillance teams deployed across flood-affected districts, officials said on Tuesday.

The drive aims to prevent disease outbreaks that often follow such natural calamities. According to the health department, more than 1.74 lakh people have been examined and treated at these medical camps. Surveillance teams are conducting daily door-to-door visits, distributing over 1.05 crore chlorine tablets and 10.29 lakh ORS packets in affected areas.

The state government stated that a comprehensive Monsoon Action Plan had been implemented across all 34 districts and eight municipal corporations well before the rainy season. This pre-emptive approach, officials said, helped prevent any major public health emergency despite widespread flooding.

Health authorities also conducted regular check-ups in relief camps and paid special attention to vulnerable groups. As many as 675 pregnant women from high-risk zones were shifted to healthcare facilities in advance, and 272 deliveries have been carried out safely so far.

To ensure round-the-clock medical support, control rooms have been established in all districts and municipal corporations. Each district has been provided five additional emergency medical teams, along with dedicated vehicles and staff. As many as 1,496 ambulances under the 108 Emergency Service and 816 ambulances attached to primary and community health centres remain on standby.

The health department said all government healthcare institutions have been stocked with more than 1.5 crore chlorine tablets, over 60 lakh ORS packets and 1,38,234 anti-snake venom injections to meet any contingency.

With floodwaters receding, preventive medicines against leptospirosis have been administered to more than 7.61 lakh high-risk residents in 562 villages across Surat, Tapi, Valsad and Navsari districts. Additionally, 497 vector control teams have been deployed in south and central Gujarat to carry out anti-larval measures and raise awareness about vector-borne diseases.

The flooding was triggered by torrential rain on August 1, which affected several parts of south and central Gujarat. Authorities evacuated around 27,000 people and rescued 53 others, especially in Surat and Navsari districts, where flood-like conditions cut off many villages.

The India Meteorological Department has forecast light to moderate rainfall in parts of north, south and central Gujarat, as well as the Saurashtra region, during the current week. Health teams remain alert to respond to any emerging situation.