Public Health Ministry orders 32 hospitals to prepare for the storm

BANGKOK, April 30 (TNA) -- The Thai Ministry of Public Health has reiterated to 32 hospitals in thunderstorm prone provinces to come up with measures to prevent damages to hospital buildings and medical equipment, as well as to reserve resources necessary for treatments and the moving of patients. Public Health Permanent Secretary and spokesman Dr Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai said that the Meteorological Department has forecast that on April 29-30, 32 provinces in the north, northeast, east and central regions would experience thunderstorms, strong winds, and hails in some areas, the ministry would like public health provincial offices, hospitals, as well as district public health offices to prepare measures in three aspects to cope with the situation. He said these include, measures to prevent damages to hospital buildings, medical equipment, as well as prepare a safe location for the moving of medical equipment and supplies in case of emergency. Secondly, adequate amount of reserves should be prepared in order to provide the best possible services to patients in case of emergency. Lastly, measures should also be prepared in case patients needed to moved during disasters. (TNA)