Punjab Launches Boat Ambulance for Flood-Affected Areas
Chandigarh :Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh stepped into action after floods hit Sultanpur Lodhi. He launched a boat ambulance service to reach stranded villagers and deliver essential medical care. The service aims to reduce health risks amid rising water levels.
During his visit, the minister reviewed emergency health arrangements at Civil Hospital Sultanpur Lodhi. He confirmed emergency wards, dengue and diarrhoea units, and all essential supplies are fully stocked.
ਮਾਨ ਸਰਕਾਰ ਹੜ੍ਹ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਵਿਤ ਪਰਿਵਾਰਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਅਤੇ ਬਿਹਤਰੀ ਦੇ ਲਈ ਯਤਨਸ਼ੀਲ ਹੈ। ਰਾਹਤ ਕਾਰਜਾਂ ਦੀ ਲੜੀ ਤਹਿਤ ਸਿਵਲ ਹਸਪਤਾਲ ਸੁਲਤਾਨਪੁਰ ਲੋਧੀ ਵਿਖੇ ਹੜ੍ਹ ਨਾਲ ਸਬੰਧਿਤ ਸਿਹਤ ਸਹੂਲਤਾਂ ਦਾ ਜਾਇਜ਼ਾ ਲਿਆ! ਲੋਕਾਂ ਲਈ ਐਮਰਜੈਂਸੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਸੇਵਾਵਾਂ, ਦਵਾਈਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਮੈਡੀਕਲ ਸਟਾਫ਼ ਦੀ ਉਪਲੱਬਧਤਾ ਨੂੰ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਇਆ ਜਾ ਰਿਹਾ ਹੈ, ਤਾਂ ਜੋ… pic.twitter.com/5jqDiYNwcO
— Dr Balbir Singh (@AAPbalbir) August 23, 2025
Health Services Reinforced in Flood Zones
The state’s health strategy includes:
- 450 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs)
- 323 Mobile Medical Units (MMUs)
- 172 ambulances to ensure reach across affected zones
These units deliver medicines, treatment, and referrals. Dr. Balbir Singh assured the public that shortages are not a concern, as recruitment of 400 nurses is complete, and 550 more nurses plus 1,000 doctors are set to join soon.
Proactive Measures and Community Support
Flood-affected regions like Kapurthala, Tarn Taran, and Ferozepur are also receiving intensive relief efforts. Teams have provided rations, medical supplies, and veterinary care for livestock.
In Sultanpur Lodhi, over 20 villages were flooded after embankment breaches. Residents face daily risks of infections and allergies due to stagnant waters.
At least ₹2 crore has been released for relief in Kapurthala district under special girdawari orders. Officials are surveying to calculate crop damage and ensure timely compensation.
Minister’s Ground-Level Engagement
Dr. Balbir Singh toured villages in a boat, even encountering wildlife such as a snake—a reminder of the flooding dangers. Yet, he praised the community spirit and “seva (service)” being offered by locals.
He emphasized that the base hospital in Sultanpur Lodhi has become a central hub for relief supplies and medical care. Ambulances and full medical teams are on call 24/7.
Health Preparedness Statewide
Across Punjab, the health department remains on high alert. Over 2,000 hospital beds are ready for any outbreak. Mobile units are providing care in Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur, and Kapurthala, targeting common post-flood ailments like diarrhoea, fever, and skin infections.
Citizens have been urged to use the 104 helpline, consume boiled or chlorinated water, and avoid stale food. Chlorine tablets and ORS are being distributed through health workers and ASHAs.