Patna: The health department has intensified post-flood healthcare operations across Bihar, treating nearly three lakh patients through medical camps and mobile medical teams in flood-affected areas and stepping up measures to prevent water-borne and infectious diseases.According to data shared by the department on Thursday, 1,758 medical camps have been set up across the affected areas and 343 mobile medical teams deployed. A total of 2,92,584 patients have received outpatient treatment through these facilities. Halogen tablets have been distributed to 1,29,214 people as a precaution against water contamination.Flooding this year, triggered by rising water levels in several rivers, has affected 1,687 villages across 15 districts. To maintain medical access where road connectivity has been disrupted, 47 boat ambulances have been deployed to help medical teams reach affected villages with free health check-ups, consultations and medicines.As part of preventive measures, bleaching powder has been sprayed in 2,323 villages. The department has also deployed 536 teams comprising ASHA workers, ASHA facilitators and ANMs to monitor vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, newborns, critically ill patients and those with non-communicable diseases.The teams are providing primary treatment and medicines, facilitating safe deliveries and referrals, and monitoring cases of diarrhoea and other infections.Meanwhile, the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) is providing safe drinking water and sanitation support in flood-hit areas. Officials said clean water is being supplied to 300 gram panchayats across 72 blocks in affected districts.More than 444 hand pumps have been disinfected and over 125 damaged units repaired. For emergency supply, 147 tankers, a water ATM and multiple water-supply schemes are operational.At 147 relief camps, 1,662 toilets and 153 bathrooms have been constructed. Officials said 167 water sources had also been tested to check the risk of contaminated water supply.
