Odisha Prepares Hospitals for Heavy Rain, Focus on Emergency Care

Bhubaneswar: Hospitals and health facilities across Odisha are being readied to handle emergencies and maintain essential medical services as the state prepares for heavy rainfall in several areas.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling on Monday held a virtual review with senior officials, district health authorities and heads of medical colleges to assess the department’s readiness for any rainfall-related emergency.

The review focused on key requirements that could determine the continuity of healthcare during adverse weather, including emergency services, availability of medicines and other essential supplies, ambulance support and hospital preparedness.

Mahaling directed officials to ensure that essential healthcare remains available in every district, with particular attention to areas likely to be affected by heavy rain. He stressed the need for quick access to emergency medical care and adequate resources at hospitals.

District health authorities have been asked to maintain close coordination with hospitals and other response agencies and remain alert to any situation that could affect the delivery of medical services.

The minister also emphasised the importance of ensuring sufficient stocks of medicines and medical supplies and keeping ambulance services ready to respond to emergencies in affected areas.

With heavy rainfall potentially affecting movement and access to healthcare facilities, hospitals have been advised to make advance arrangements and ensure that critical services can continue without disruption.

Mahaling appealed to people to remain calm but cautious as the weather situation develops. He urged the public to follow advisories issued by the government and local administration and take necessary precautions.

The health department’s preparedness review comes as Odisha is monitoring a weather system over the Bay of Bengal that is expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of the state.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department Aswathy S, Director of Public Health Rabindra Nath Mishra, Director of Health Services Mahesh Mohan Panda and DMET Durga Madhab Satapathy participated in the meeting.

Chief District Medical Officers and Deans and Principals of medical colleges from across the state also joined the virtual review.