Disaster management cell of IMA set up in Bihar

Patna, Aug 18: In order to provide medical aid to the people at the time of disaster and natural calamities, the Bihar chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has set up a disaster management cell in the state.

State unit president of the IMA Dr Raman Kumar Verma said here today that the headquarters of the cell had been set up in the IMA building. He said the cell would function as a permanent unit under the chairmanship of Dr V S Singh.

Dr Verma said the members of the state unit of the IMA had decided to set up the cell to provide health and medical services at the time of natural calamities and disasters.

The cell would coordinate its activities with its central unit and the state government.

Dr Verma further maintained that the IMA, in a meeting, had resolved to set up 94 additional local branches by the end of September this year.

In the cell, nearly 1,000 youths would be trained for providing first aid in each district and a directory of 1,000 voluntary blood donors would be prepared for emergency cases.

The cell at the local branch of the IMA will have well trained rapid response unit, Dr Verma informed, adding that the people would be sensitised about the dos and don'ts at the time of disaster.

Besides, a list of doctors would also be prepared to rush for help at short notice.

Dr Verma said the IMA would create a special fund for disaster management and one per cent of the IMA budget had been earmarked for the purpose.

UNI