Thiruvananthapuram: Health Department Minister Veena George said telephonic surveillance has been started under the leadership of Ernakulam Health Department. This service is provided by a trained District Response Team. Those who need help will be directly called and given guidance and psychological support. The minister clarified that the services of counselors have been made available for this purpose.
A total of 7421 people were collected as part of the data collection conducted at the places where air pollution was caused due to smoke from the Brahmapuram waste plant. Data collection is done to identify those who need help immediately and provide services, and to identify people who need more attention, such as bed patients, pregnant women and those with other serious illnesses, to provide follow-up observations and services. Data collection is done by trained ASHA workers.
The Medical Specialty Response Center at Kakkanad Family Health Center is functioning efficiently to provide expert treatment to those suffering from health problems related to smoke inhalation. Medicine, Pulmonology, Ophthalmology, Pediatrics and Dermatology doctors are available here. Equipment for X-ray, ultrasound scanning, echo and vision screening is also set up. The public can avail the services of this center if they are experiencing health problems. A special counter has also been set up for treatment of rescue workers, health workers and volunteers.
411 people were served through 6 mobile medical units. 48 people were served in SWAS clinics in 11 centers. It is reported that the number of patients coming to the respiratory clinic is decreasing.
