Public Health Ministry prepares for increased PM2.5 threat in 40 provinces

The Ministry of Public Health has instructed health officials in 40 northern and northeastern provinces, as well as Bangkok, to be prepared to cope with increasing PM2.5 in the atmosphere as we approach the end of this year and into next, because of the impact of the super El Niño.

Dr. Sarawut Boonsook, the deputy permanent secretary of public health, said today that he has held a tele-conference with senior health officials in the 40 provinces about the problem, including a prolonged drought and forest fires causing the PM2.5 dust pollution.

He said that the officials should be on the alert and prepared to protect vulnerable people, estimated at 16 million in the 40 provinces.

He said that health officials must be well prepared with regard to telemedicine services, so the public have access to medical consultations, access to dust-free rooms and dust-protection sleeping nets, evaluation of risk situations, care for vulnerable people, such as those with respiratory diseases, allergies or heart disease, small children, pregnant women and the elderly.

Health officials were also told to coordinate with agencies concerned over environmental protection, to prevent duplication of work.