THE Kelantan Health Department has identified 91 facilities and health clinics likely to face the risk of flooding during this year’s monsoon season.

Director Dr Zaini Hussin said there were 21 facilities in Pasir Mas, followed by Gua Musang (19), Kuala Krai (12), Tanah Merah (8), Machang and Tumpat (7), Kota Bharu (6), Jeli (5), Bachok (4), and Pasir Puteh (2).

“The risks are clinic premises being flooded; clinics not being able to operate due to safety issues, and road access to the clinics being cut off.

“In that case, the facility will move its operations to a nearby health clinic, school or mosque,” he said in Kota Baru today.

Zaini said the department had also identified several helipads in case hospitals in the state could not be accessed or were cut off from the roads due to flooding.

“High-risk groups, such as pregnant women and chronic cases who regularly require critical treatment such as dialysis will be transferred earlier to avoid interruption of treatment by helicopter or ambulance.

“Currently, 198 medical teams, 83 health teams, and 20 mental health and psychosocial action teams are stationed at the temporary relief centres,” he said, adding that the medical teams will be on duty according to a specific schedule. If the number of flood victims is less than 1,000, they will conduct daily visits from 8am to 5pm.

“If the flood evacuees exceed 1,000, we will set up a 24-hour mobile clinic at centres, but it depends on the current situation.

“We will also ensure assets, equipment, and medicines at high-risk facilities are placed in a safe place to avoid loss and damage,” he added. – Bernama, October 18, 2022.