Odisha Govt Takes Urgent Steps to Combat Water-Borne and Vector-Borne Diseases Amid Monsoon

Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to safeguard public health during the monsoon season, the Odisha State government has ordered top health officials to take immediate action to ensure zero fatalities from water-borne and vector-borne diseases such as dengue, diarrhea, and malaria. Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling chaired a critical review meeting today, emphasizing the importance of systematic and operational health services across both urban and rural areas.

Minister Mahaling directed officials to adopt comprehensive measures and initiate awareness campaigns to prevent outbreaks of these diseases. He emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and swift response to potential health threats during the monsoon.

To strengthen the state’s preparedness, the Minister ordered the establishment of special wards for dengue patients in district headquarters hospitals and medical colleges. He also instructed the distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets to combat malaria, ensuring that preventive measures reach even the most remote communities.

For diarrhea management, the Minister stressed the importance of providing Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) packets and zinc medicine to patients, underscoring the need for compassionate care to boost patient morale.

During the meeting, officials conducted a thorough review of the current status and statistics of dengue, diarrhea, and malaria in 15 high-risk districts, including Kalahandi, Balangir, Ganjam, Nabarangpur, Koraput, Rayagada, Keonjhar, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, Boudh, Kandhamal, Gajapati, Khurda, and Cuttack.

Minister Mahaling ordered door-to-door visits at the grassroots level to raise awareness among the public and instructed Public Health directors and Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) to increase hospital beds and ensure a sufficient supply of medicines.