Kochi: On account of the smoke that engulfed Kochi due to the fire that broke out at the Brahmapuram waste disposal plant 11 days ago, Health Minister Veena George on Saturday made it mandatory for the people of Kochi to wear masks before stepping out of their homes.
The minister also instructed pregnant women, children, senior citizens and persons with comorbidities to be extra cautious. A total of 799 people have sought treatment at hospitals amid the toxic smoke from the Brahmapuram plant, informed the minister. Among these patients, 17 were admitted for medical care.
Health Minister Veena George chaired a comprehensive meeting of the department on Saturday to evaluate the situation and she urged children, elderly people, pregnant women and those with other diseases to wear a face mask while going out.
"Urban gas clinics will be started. Measures will be taken to prevent epidemics," said the minister.
Meanwhile, the health survey will begin on March 14 (Tuesday). "Mobile units will be set up for the purpose," said the minister.
The government will be able to identify those who are affected due to the smoke through the survey and ensure treatment, informed the minister.
The district team will prioritise the places and the field staff will be trained to do the house-to-house survey, in order to analyse what is the real situation on the ground, the government had earlier said.
The health department has also earmarked a 'smoke casualty' in hospitals and has earmarked 100 beds in General Hospital, Ernakulam, and 20 beds in Taluk Hospital, Tripunithura for patients coming from the affected areas.The decision was taken in a ministerial meeting.
She further said camps will be set up in the district with the cooperation of the Indian Medical Association and hospitals.
She also asked the public to not panic hearing worrying news and reiterated the situation is under control.
(With PTI inputs)
