LAHORE, July 8: The Punjab Health Department has directed all the executive district officers (health) to complete pre-flood arrangements and submit a report to it at the earliest.

According to a circular issued to the EDOs, they have been directed to ensure functioning of flood cells and availability of focal person round the clock.

They have been asked to ensure availability of essential drugs, especially anti-snake vaccine (ASV), anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) and anti-tetanus vaccine.

They have also been directed to arrange regular meetings with all line departments, especially Wasa and public health engineering to ensure supply of safe drinking water and sanitation.

Emergency medical teams must be ready to be deputed to the flood areas along with ambulances. Regular food and water sampling must be done and sale of cut fruits and open juices must be checked by director (health services) Dr Ziaur Rehman.

They have been asked to ensure availability of emergency medical kits and must be ready as and when needed.