Health staff in Thai North on alert against smog

BANGKOK, February 6 (TNA) - The Public Health Ministry has ordered all hospitals and medical units at all levels in the Thai North to be prepared for serving smog-affected patients, particularly those of vulnerable groups. Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Narong Sahamethapat told journalists on Thursday measures that all hospitals and medical units in the Thai North have been ordered to prepare themselves for taking care of smog-affected patients include having medicines and medical equipment on hands to immediately serve patients, especially those of vulnerable groups namely children, pregnant women and patients with respiratory diseases. According to the senior health official, local health staff have also been advised to stock up face masks, as well as to launch PR campaigns to create awareness among locals against grass burning or forest fires and on self-protection of smog-related problems or illnesses. The senior health official said eight upper northern Thai provinces, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phrae and Phayao, have been instructed to particularly keep a close watch on smog impacts, with measures put in good place to take care of affected patients, from January to April 2014 although there has been no irregularity in the region caused by smog so far.(TNA)