MOPH to care for mental health of flood victims

MOPH to care for mental health of flood victims

The Ministry of Public Health has instructed provincial health officials to quickly help raise the spirits of flood victims and get them back on their feet while the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC) has proposed a budget allocation of 109 million THB under a flood rehabilitation program.

Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri said the quick response to provinces with receding flood levels was to restore the medical system such as hospitals, medical equipment, units as well as staff. The restoration will be funded by 109 million THB approved by the cabinet.

Another 68 million THB has also been proposed to promote jobs for those who lost theirs to floods. More rehabilitation and cleaning works in homes, toilets, fresh markets and waste management are expected to cost 20 million THB while the same amount will also be spent on water borne disease prevention measures.

Mr. Wittaya said the purpose of the rehabilitation on the flooded areas was to raise confidence in people both local and foreigners in the medical services.

As for mental health, Suan Prung and Nakhon Sawan Chittawet Hospitals will care for people in the North of Thailand while those in the central region can seek medical attention at Si Thanya and the Department of Mental Health. Psychologists from both the government and private sectors will be recruited on the voluntary basis to help flood victims with high stress level.

BANGKOK, 29 October 2011 (NNT)-Reporter : NUPPOL SUVANSOMBUT
News Date : 29 October 2011