Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh Reviews Flood Rehabilitation in Ferozepur, Appeals for Donations

FEROZEPUR(The Uttam Hindu): Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today chaired a meeting with officials from various departments in Ferozepur to review the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for people affected by floods in the district.

Following the meeting, the Minister also visited medical camps in the flood-affected villages of Gatti Rajoke, Jalloke, and Tandi Wala to assess the healthcare services being provided to the people. He was accompanied by MLA Ferozepur City S. Ranbir Singh Bhullar, MLA Ferozepur Rural Sh. Rajnish Dahiya, Deputy Commissioner Deepshikha Sharma, SSP S. Bhupinder Singh Sidhu, and health department officials.

During the meeting, Cabinet Minister Dr. Balbir Singh held detailed deliberations with the officers on the current situation in the flood-affected villages, the progress of resettling people, sanitation measures, and the arrangements made to prevent water-borne and vector-borne diseases. He stated that there is always a risk of spreading of various diseases in villages after floods.

Dr. Balbir Singh commended all departments for working with full dedication, responsibility, and a spirit of service to help people during the flood crisis. He also acknowledged the significant contribution made by all NGOs, religious, and social service organisations in the flood-affected areas. He particularly praised the health department, noting that its efforts have led to a major reduction in water/vector-borne diseases and the maternal mortality rate.

The Health Minister directed the district administration and health officials to work with full vigilance for the resettlement of people and prevention of diseases in the post-flood period. He instructed that medical camps be organised on a rotation basis in the affected villages and assured that the Punjab Government will deploy expert doctors for people's health check-ups. He also emphasised the need for counselling by doctors and officials for those who have suffered losses to prevent them from falling into a state of mental stress.

Dr. Balbir Singh said that the Punjab Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fully committed to the rehabilitation of flood victims and providing them compensation for their losses. He stated that everyone, from the ground level up to the Chief Minister, is striving to serve the flood victims.

The Minister highlighted that the Chief Minister has launched 'Mission Chardi Kala' to accelerate rehabilitation efforts, aiming to gather funds with the help of people and social organisations worldwide to support the government's resettlement efforts. He appealed to the public to contribute generously by donating on http://rangla.punjab.gov.in under Mission Chardi Kala. He assured that the funds received would be used transparently by the Punjab Government to help the flood-affected people of the state get back on their feet.

Subsequently, Dr. Balbir Singh also held a meeting with NGOs from the district. He praised and thanked the non-governmental organizations, volunteers, representatives of the health industry, and other institutions who helped people during the flood situation. He appealed to all organisations to work alongside the Punjab Government and district administration to help the needy by assisting in building houses, cleaning and preparing fields, providing medical services, and cleaning schools and streets, so that no flood victim is left without help.

On this occasion, MLAs Ranbir Singh Bhullar and Rajnish Dahiya shared that the district civil and police administration has been working day and night with full honesty and vigilance to protect the lives and property of the affected, provide relief, and ensure rehabilitation. They said the general public is also appreciating this service-oriented approach of the administration. They noted that the flood situation was brought under control through the cooperation of the civil and police administration, army, NGOs, local people, and social servants from other states and districts, and that relief work is still ongoing.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Damanjit Singh Mann, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Development) Nidhi Kumud Bambah, Assistant Civil Surgeon Sushma Thakkar, Dr. Meenakshi Abrol, officers from various departments, and representatives of NGOs.