Bangkok: The Sa Kaeo Provincial Public Health Office has taken proactive measures by deploying medical teams and supplies to 46 evacuation centers in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the Sa Kaeo Provincial Public Health Department has ensured the readiness of medical teams to provide care to evacuees, along with sufficient medical supplies and medications stocked for two months, as the timeline for resolving the border situation remains uncertain.
Dr. Pallop Yodsirichinda, the Public Health Doctor of Sa Kaeo Province, revealed that nearly 20,000 people have been evacuated to these centers, with over 6,000 identified as vulnerable, including the elderly, children, pregnant women, patients requiring dialysis, and individuals with disabilities. Comprehensive care is being administered at each center, focusing on disease surveillance and control, especially for gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses, and maintaining a conducive environment. A 24-hour patient referral system and a telemedicine service are in place for evacuees who lack their regular medication, ensuring continuous treatment through remote consultations. Dr. Yodsirichinda noted the ongoing influenza outbreak is under control by the medical teams, with a field hospital set up to accommodate 100 patients, currently serving 20-30 individuals, primarily people with disabilities and bedridden patients.
In terms of mental health support, the Department of Mental Health has dispatched Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team (MCATT) officers to provide continuous assistance and evaluate mental well-being, as stress and anxiety may arise after prolonged evacuation. If evacuation centers close in the future, high-risk individuals will be monitored with follow-up care in their local areas. The public health authorities remain equipped to handle all situations, with disease screening materials and influenza vaccines ready for administration. The current vaccine reserve stands at 2,000-3,000 doses, with the possibility of increasing the supply. Additionally, medications for patients remain stocked for up to two months.