Bhubaneswar: With the onset of the heatwave season, the Health and Family Welfare Department of Odisha has ramped up its strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of the public amid rising temperatures.
Under the direction of Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, a crucial review meeting was convened by Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Director of Public Health (DPH). The meeting aimed to assess and streamline operational and logistical measures necessary to protect the citizens of Odisha during the heatwave.
Dr. Mishra emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the public health impact of extreme heat. He highlighted that the department is working to ensure the availability of essential medical supplies, such as intravenous fluids, Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS), medicines, air coolers, and power backup systems, to mitigate the effects of the heatwave.
Additionally, all 30 districts have been instructed to ensure the readiness of medical facilities, with sufficient beds prepared for heatwave-related cases.
The department has also expanded its training program for healthcare workers, focusing on managing heat-related illnesses. Dr. Mishra stressed that the training would not only involve healthcare professionals but also extend to grassroots-level teams in the districts, enabling local health workers to respond quickly and effectively to emerging heat-related health issues.
Special attention has been given to mining regions and areas prone to extreme heat, where vulnerable populations will be provided with additional resources and protection. The department has prioritized ensuring these communities are well-equipped to cope with the severe weather conditions. Alongside this, there will be an intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign across the state to raise awareness about the risks associated with heatwaves and provide the public with practical advice on preventing heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Mishra further stressed the importance of learning from past experiences and ensuring that all preparedness strategies are implemented in a timely and effective manner.
“We are well-prepared to handle the challenges of the upcoming heatwave season. Through the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, district officials, and the public, we remain committed to providing timely medical assistance, raising awareness, and ensuring that all necessary infrastructure and resources are in place to minimize the impact of extreme heat,” Dr. Mishra assured.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Basant Pradhan, Nodal Officer for Heat-Related Illnesses, Dr. Ashok Paikray, State Surveillance Officer, Dr. Sephali Mallik, Additional Director of Nursing, Dr. Pratibha Pradhan, Additional Director of DFW, along with Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) from all districts, both in person and virtually.
