To address the haze disaster in affected provinces, the Ministry of Public Health has established command centers that are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Hospitals in affected areas have been asked to increase their capacity to treat respiratory diseases.
The Ministry of Public Health has announced its response to this year’s haze disaster, with provincial public health offices closely monitoring air quality and taking action as needed. If the air quality in a province exceeds the safety threshold, the provincial operation center (OC) must be activated to address the situation.
According to Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, the Permanent Secretary of Public Health, the provincial operation centers will be activated when the level of airborne particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5) ranges between 37.6 and 50 micrograms per cubic meter. These operation centers are tasked with communicating with local communities regarding health impacts and personal safety.
Provinces with airborne PM 2.5 levels exceeding 51 micrograms per cubic meter for more than three consecutive days should consider activating the provincial Public Health Emergency Operation Center in order to respond more effectively to the situation.
Chiang Mai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phrae, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Suphan Buri, Samut Prakan, Chonburi, As of January 24, the Ministry of Public Health had recorded 212,674 cases of diseases related to air pollution, which is a significant increase from the previous week’s total of 96,109 cases. The majority of reported cases involve respiratory illnesses, skin inflammations, and conjunctivitis.
The ministry has ordered all healthcare facilities to ensure their readiness to treat an increase in cases, which include symptoms such as irritations, breathing difficulties, headaches, and nausea. Those experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention if they do not resolve themselves.
