Post Flood Health Relief Response: An experience from AIIMS Patna

Abstract

Background: Patna, the state capital of Bihar in India experienced a devastating flood due to unprecedented rains in September 2019. There was indiscriminate damage to housing, communication and transport networks, and health facilities affecting the lives of thousands of people. Objectives: To assess the morbidity profile of patients attending the health response camps conducted in different regions of Patna by AIIMS Patna team during the post-flood period. Methodology: On the direction of Government officials, eleven flood relief health response team of AIIMS Patna was formed on the evening of 4^th October 2019. All the required logistic were arranged within next 12 hours and the teams started working from 5^th of October 2019. Data were collected regarding age, gender, presenting health problems and history of any chronic diseases using Google form. The total number of patients attending the camps was 3511. Real-time data analysis was done using cloud based google sheets. Results: In the camp it was found that the common health problems reported by the cases were of itching (19.2%) followed by cough (14.7%) and fever (11.7%). About 13% (448) cases were having history of chronic non-communicable diseases. Maximum cases reported in our camp was on 8^th October 2019, which was 30.5% (1072). Conclusions: Rapid action by government and the health system averted epidemic outbreaks. However, strengthening of existing health care systems and sanitation measures is required to handle such disasters.