Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the public health preparedness ahead of monsoon season in Assam <span style="font-weight: bold;">through video conferencing</span>, with the State Government and Central Health Institutions on Saturday. <span style="font-weight: bold;">He assessed the arrangements put in place by Central institutions and agencies of the State Government to ensure effective management of floods in Assam. </span>During the meeting, Mr Mandaviya directed to prepare Flood Public Health Response and action plan with perspective of health emergencies. He also highlighted the importance of Central-State collaboration for effective disaster management.<br />'' <br />''The Minister underscored the need for preparedness of critical care equipment, oxygen, hospital beds as well as availability of clean drinking water in flood-affected regions. He also emphasised preventive healthcare and greater awareness among the communities regarding vector borne and water borne diseases.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />'' <br />''</span>Mr. Mandaviya urged officials to work on a flood-management model to deal with floods in Assam which is a recurring phenomenon. He directed them to prepare an online database listing all the important information, such as availability of beds, oxygen and other health facilities to ensure efficient management of any health emergency. The Minister also exhorted the officials to ensure that Health and Wellness Centres are well-equipped, with required medicines, functioning medical equipment and other amenities.<br />