| Recent weather forecasts suggesting that the current spell of rainfall will intensify during the early part of this week have propelled the Ministry of Health into a high alert mode.Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy, at a press conference yesterday, said that his ministry has had to expand its health response to the flooding situation.The minister reported that three teams have been dispatched to various affected areas, including the East Coast and East Bank of Demerara and Georgetown. He said, too, that another team is on standby at the Health Ministry’s Brickdam headquarters in case there is need for an emergency response.At yesterday’s press conference, the minister also disclosed that Region Six, like many other areas around the country, has been experiencing extensive flooding, particularly in the Black Bush Polder area.The Lower Corentyne areas of Whim, Port Mourant, Albion, and the Palmyra No. 19 area are also among the places with significant amounts of water on the ground, the minister said.“We have had medical teams out in Black Bush Polder, out in the Lower and Central Corentyne areas, in addition to medical teams on the East Coast, Georgetown, East Bank and in Region Five.”More than 51 per cent of persons treated for flood-related illnesses suffered Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI). About 33 per cent were treated for skin conditions, while about three to five per cent have been treated for vomiting and diarrhoea, Minister Ramsammy revealed.This, he said, is indicative that many people are complying with the Health Ministry’s advisory to safeguard their health.And in order to keep the public aware of the situation, the minister assured that he will be hosting regular press briefings.In some places,NFL Jerseys China, health centres have been placed on alert and will be working extended hours, the minister said. It was also revealed that, in support of the ministry’s intensified effort, the Government has granted his ministry permission to pay overtime to workers at the health centres, even as he reiterated his gratitude for the commitment of workers during the festive season. |
