Odisha Health Department Mandates Social Media Presence for Medical Facilities

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has directed all District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs), Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to establish official social media handles on ‘X’. The accounts will be managed by the Medical Officer in Charge of each facility.

Shalini Pandit, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health Department, issued this directive in a letter addressed to the Director of Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, the Director of RGH Rourkela, and all Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs).

“As per the instruction of the Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Odisha, during the review of this Department on 18.06.2024, you are directed to open an official social media handle ‘X’ at all DHHs, SDHs, CHCs, and PHCs in the designation of the Medical Officer in Charge of the facility,” the Health Secretary mentioned in the letter.

The initiative aims to enhance responsiveness to public needs and facilitate communication through social media. All concerned officials are required to submit compliance reports regarding the establishment of these social media accounts within three working days to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS), Odisha.

The directive underscores the growing importance of social media in connecting healthcare providers with the community and addressing healthcare concerns promptly.