Minor Gastroenteritis has been reported from various parts of the worst flood hit district Mardan where 265 patients have been admitted during last one week, the stool sample had been collected and sent to laboratory for further investigation.
This was stated by Executive District Officer (EDO) Health Mardan while briefing a delegation comprised of Federal Minister Health, Naseer Khan, WHO's country chief, Dr Khalif Bile Mohmud, Federal DGHS, Major General Dr Shahida Malik (R) and Executive Director Pakistan Medical Institute Islamabad, Dr Fazli Hadi, visited District Mardan.
The EDO (H) Mardan informed that 20 emergency medical camps have been established in the affected parts of the district, providing emergency health services to the affectees round the clock.
To prevent major out breaks, mass vaccination against communicable diseases was in progress, and 40,000 people had been vaccinated till date. The medical team deputed from Islamabad was working in collaboration with District Health Management. The Federal Health Department had provided ORS, Cholera kits, Insecticides and 500 impregnated bed nets.
The delegation was further told that the recent torrential rains and flash floods caused havoc, reportedly killed 192 people, damaged 18027 houses and injured some 198 persons in 23 districts of NWFP.
In Mardan District the Kalpani stream periodically erupted in fury and played havoc with lives and property on its heavily populated banks. It left a trial of death and destruction on a scale, 51 persons died 27 persons injured and 8407 houses damaged.
The Minister Health said that the Federal Health Department will not let you alone in this hour of hardship and will provide all sort of equipment's and medicines according to your demand. He appreciated the efforts and health emergency response by the District health management team. He urged the philanthropists, NGOs and donor agencies to extend their full support to cope with health emergency.
Dr Khalif Bile handed over one Emergency Health Kit comprised of emergency medicines and equipment's to the District Health Authorities as an emergency response. He informed that this kit was enough to cater 10,000 patients for three months.
The Minister Health appreciated WHO for provision of emergency health kit and said that when ever there was health emergency WHO had responded emergently. Later on the delegation visited various relief and medical camps established in district Mardan.