Centre sends 65 tonnes of emergency drugs to Kerala; need for baby food in flood-hit state

The Ministry has also formed 12 public health teams, one each to be deployed in the 12 worst affected districts in Kerala.

The Centre on Tuesday said 65 tonnes of emergency drugs have been transported by the Indian Air Force to check epidemics in flood-hit Kerala. According to the Health Ministry, one crore of chlorine tablets have been sent and another crore is in transit. "The total request for four crore chlorine tablets will be sent in phases. The Health Ministry has further mobilized 20 tonnes of bleaching powder which is being sent by road," said a statement from the Ministry.

The Ministry has also formed 12 public health teams, one each to be deployed in the 12 worst affected districts in Kerala. The Ministry's decision comes after Union Health Minister J.P Nadda held a meeting to review the relief measures in Kerala. The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued several health advisories to support the state in meeting the post-flood public health management when the threat of water borne, vector borne and viral hepatitis diseases might become potent.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal held a meeting with representatives of food-processing industry and informed them about the immediate need for baby food in Kerala relief camps, official sources said on Tuesday. Badal held a meeting with industry leaders on Monday to plan a strategy for assistance for the flood-affected people in Kerala. The meeting was attended by representatives from ITC, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Hindustan Unilever, Dabur, MTR, Nestle, Britannia, and Marico.

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"It is time to work as a cohesive unit and make a coordinated effort to help the people of Kerala, instead of separate entities making individual efforts," an official release quoted Badal as saying.

The contribution from the industry includes packaged drinking water, biscuits, buns, Maggi, packed juices, oats, chocolate bars, sanitary products, milk powder, and wheat products.

Source: IANS