Amid the ongoing flood crisis that has left large swathes of Punjab battling devastation, the state government has escalated its health response with a decisive move to deploy 138 newly recruited Medical Officers to the seven worst-affected districts. The Punjab Health and Family Welfare Department announced that the doctors would be placed immediately under the supervision of respective Civil Surgeons to provide critical healthcare in flood-ravaged areas.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh said the government’s top priority is safeguarding the health of citizens who have been rendered vulnerable due to widespread waterlogging, damaged infrastructure, and heightened risk of disease outbreaks. “The health of our citizens in the flood-affected regions is our paramount concern. The presence of these 138 doctors on the ground is crucial to strengthening our healthcare delivery and tackling medical challenges in these difficult times,” he said while directing the officers to report without delay.
The minister further clarified that these postings are part of a larger recruitment initiative that aims to place 1,000 medical officers across the state. In the first phase alone, 322 doctors have been given appointment orders, and from this pool, 138 have been designated specifically for the flood-hit zones. “Considering the emergency situation in the wake of floods, these officers have been directed to immediately report for critical medical duties,” Dr. Singh emphasized.
The immediate deployment comes as Punjab faces rising health challenges in the aftermath of flooding, including the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases. With vast tracts of land submerged, residents have been exposed to unsafe drinking water, stagnant pools, and deteriorating sanitary conditions. To counter this, the health department has initiated a state-wide campaign of distributing chlorine tablets, ensuring that these reach homes across affected districts. Alongside, large-scale spraying and fogging drives are being carried out to prevent outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and other vector-borne illnesses.
The government has also mobilized 818 Rapid Response and Mobile Medical Teams, which are conducting daily medical camps in inundated villages and temporary shelter homes. These teams are providing essential medical care, distributing medicines, and monitoring high-risk populations such as children, the elderly, and those with chronic health conditions.
Recognizing that state machinery alone cannot fully meet the extraordinary demand, Dr. Singh noted the crucial role of partnerships with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) Punjab, Nursing Colleges, Private Hospitals, and both Government and Private Medical Colleges. These institutions have committed doctors, paramedics, and infrastructure to strengthen the flood relief effort. “This collective approach ensures that our response is not only robust but also sustainable over the coming weeks when medical needs will remain high,” he said.
To guarantee rapid transport for patients in critical condition, the state has also placed 424 ambulances into service. This fleet includes 170 ambulances from the health department and an additional 254 mobilized with the support of NGOs and IMA Punjab. With roads washed away in several regions and villages cut off due to swollen rivers, these ambulances have been tasked with connecting isolated communities to district hospitals and emergency health centers.
Officials stressed that the health emergency will continue even after waters recede, as diseases often peak during the recovery phase. The department has pledged round-the-clock healthcare services until the situation stabilizes. Dr. Singh reaffirmed: “The Department of Health & Family Welfare stands committed to protect lives, ensure uninterrupted healthcare, and maintain preventive measures throughout this crisis. We will not let our people feel abandoned in their hour of need.”
Punjab continues to grapple with severe flooding after heavy rainfall and swollen rivers disrupted life across several districts. With rescue operations ongoing, rehabilitation and health remain the state’s foremost challenges. The latest infusion of medical manpower is seen as a crucial reinforcement in containing the risk of a secondary health disaster in the wake of the natural calamity.
This is a web-generated news report.
