28 Lakh chlorine tablets distributed in Punjab

Chandigarh, Aug 8 (UNI) Keeping in view to provide better medical care and to check the spread of water borne diseases, Health and Family Welfare Department of Punjab has distributed 28 lakh chlorine Tablets, free of cost in affected areas of the state.

Disclosing this here today, Punjab Health Minister Lakshmi Kanta Chawla said the state had already constituted Co-ordination Committees at district level to ensure chlorination of drinking water and disposal of garbage and maintenance of sanitation. As a preventive measures, Ms Chawla said, maximum water samples were being collected to ensure the portability of water sources. A total of 4522 water samples had been collected up to June 2007, out of which 1184 Samples were found non-potable, She said.

Vigilance Cells at State Head Quarters have been formed for better co-ordination for remedial measures in case water samples of drinking water were found non-potable.

Giving more details, the Minister said, health teams were providing medical care to patients at their doorsteps and serious patients were shifted to nearest hospital for treatment.

"Awareness is the main weapon to fight out with water borne diseases. To make people aware about these diseases and the preventive measures the Government is doing door to door health education campaign, distributing pamphlets, posters and hand bills holding TV and cable TVs talk shows," the Minister said.

UNI