DEHRADUN: With the threat of diseases looming over the flood affected areas in Uttarakhand, the Centre has sent 150 doctors to the state.
A large number of cases of water-borne diseases, such as diarrhoea, are being reported from districts like Guptkashi, Gauchar and Uttarkashi among others. Efforts are on to provide medical aid to those affected.
The Union health ministry has also sent a team of epidemiologists, health experts and some high-ranking officials, including the director general of health services, to monitor the situation.
"I have held a meeting with the state authorities. Right now, there is no threat of epidemic but we cannot rule out any such eventuality. Preventive measures like making drinking water available in affected villages are being taken," said Jagdish Prasad, DGHS.
He said that around 150 doctors from across the country have been sent to the state to tackle any possible crisis. At least 128 cases of high fever and gastro-intestinal infections were reported in Ramnagar - a tiny village near Guptkashi - recently. Some ITBP jawans have also reported sick.