Gujarat Deploys 18,000 Surveillance Teams to Prevent Post-Flood Disease Outbreaks

The Gujarat government has intensified public health measures across flood-affected districts following last week's heavy rainfall, organising 6,868 medical camps, deploying over 18,000 surveillance teams, and providing preventive medicines to more than 7.6 lakh people to curb disease outbreaks.

According to an official statement issued on Tuesday, health authorities have distributed more than 1.05 crore chlorine tablets and 10.29 lakh Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets through door-to-door campaigns. Additionally, 497 special vector control teams have been deployed across south and central Gujarat to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

The medical camps have examined and treated over 1.74 lakh people, while the state's Monsoon Action Plan has been implemented across all 34 districts and eight municipal corporations. Officials said these preventive measures have ensured that no major public health emergency has been reported despite widespread flooding.

Regular health check-ups are being conducted for residents staying in relief camps, while 675 pregnant women from flood-hit areas were shifted to healthcare facilities in advance, resulting in 272 safe deliveries, the government said.

To strengthen emergency preparedness, round-the-clock health control rooms have been established in every district and municipal corporation. Each district has also been equipped with five additional emergency medical teams, supported by dedicated vehicles and staff. Meanwhile, 1,496 ambulances under the 108 Emergency Service and 816 ambulances attached to primary and community health centres remain on standby.

Healthcare institutions have been stocked with over 1.5 crore chlorine tablets, more than 60 lakh ORS packets, and 1.38 lakh Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) injections. After floodwaters receded, 7.61 lakh high-risk residents in 562 villages across Surat, Tapi, Valsad and Navsari received preventive medication against leptospirosis.

Heavy rains on August 1 triggered flood-like conditions across south and central Gujarat, prompting the evacuation of 27,000 people and the rescue of 53 others. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rainfall across several parts of the state during the week.