Hospitals ordered to map out drought fighting plans

BANGKOK, March 13 (TNA) -- As severe drought is battering several Thai provinces, Public Health Minister Dr Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn has ordered provincial health clinics and hospitals under the supervision of his ministry to prepare strategic plans to fight against drought and to also save water. Dr Piyasakol told journalists that he has learned that five hospitals administered by the ministry are now affected by water shortages. However, they are still in operations. Out of the total affected hospitals, two are in Nakhon Ratchasima, one each in Chiang Mai, Prachin Buri and Khon Kaen. Dr Piyasakol said he had ordered health clinics and hospitals administered by his ministry to map out plans to fight against drought, both in short and long-term, to store enough water for patients, and to save water. He said they are ordered to also coordinate with provincial authorities to find clean water sources, aimed at not affecting services to patients. (TNA)