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The Department of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education has formulated a fresh set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), listing out measures to be taken by a health centre and a doctor in the event of a cyclone. In a seven-page document, the SOPs explain how doctors should respond during such an event and what rehabilitation and disease prevention measures must be taken at the sub centre, primary, community, area, district and teaching hospitals to safeguard public health. According to a release from the department on Sunday (October 26), the health officials prepared an updated SOP following directions from Minister for Health Satya Kumar Yadav. The health officials reviewed previous orders and prepared an updated SOP after consultations with the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority and India Meteorological Department (IMD). The same has been sent to all district officials in view of the looming Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha. Meanwhile, all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in the State have been directed to maintain adequate stocks of antibiotics, anti-snake venoms and rabies vaccines. As per the SOPs, each PHC must have at least 30 vials of anti-snake venom, antibiotics sufficient for 500 people, 500 ORS packets or 200 bottles of ORS fluids. The SOPs also list out measures to be taken by each health centre, such as medical camps and maintenance of sanitation. The Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, G. Veerapandian, has been designated as the State Nodal Officer to ensure coordination among departments. The State Epidemic Cell, which has been formed in view of the cyclone, should run 24/7, according to the SOPs. According to a release from the department, an instruction has been given to the doctors and paramedical staff to remain available 24/7 to the public. Health workers have been asked to prepare lists of pregnant women, elderly persons, differently abled individuals and patients with chronic illnesses and move those needing immediate attention to health centres.
