Odisha Health Department Steps Up Monsoon Preparedness, Reviews Healthcare Services Across Districts

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health Department on Tuesday asked district officials to intensify disease surveillance and strengthen healthcare preparedness ahead of the monsoon season during a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Health Commissioner-cum-Secretary Ashwathi S..

The high-level meeting, held at the Health Department Conference Hall, reviewed the functioning of health services across the state, including disease control measures, manpower availability, medicine stocks and infrastructure status in hospitals. Senior officials attended the meeting physically, while medical college authorities and district health officers joined virtually.

National Health Mission Managing Director Brundha D, Special Secretary Dr. Bijay Mohapatra, departmental directors and other senior officers participated in the review.

Focusing on seasonal health risks, the Health Secretary directed officials to remain alert to prevent possible outbreaks during the rainy season. Food inspectors were instructed to investigate incidents related to food poisoning and jaundice reported from some areas and submit detailed findings to the concerned District Collectors.

District administrations and health officials were also asked to ensure timely medical response and strengthen preparedness for disease management at the grassroots level.

The meeting reviewed the progress of several flagship healthcare programmes, including maternal and child health services, vaccination campaigns, implementation of Ayushman Bharat, Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, AYUSH services and child welfare initiatives.

Ashwathi S. stressed the importance of improving patient facilities in hospitals and directed all medical institutions to maintain quality healthcare delivery standards. She also asked officials to give priority to AI-based attendance monitoring systems to improve accountability and administrative efficiency.

The Secretary called upon all officers to work in coordination and maintain a professional and responsive approach while delivering public healthcare services across the state.