Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has announced full preparedness to tackle any emergency situation arising from Cyclone Montha, which is expected to impact parts of south and southwestern Odisha in the coming days.
A high-level review meeting was conducted this evening by Health Secretary Aswathy S. through video conferencing with district collectors, chief district medical officers (CDMOs), and senior officials of medical colleges and hospitals. The review focused on readiness at district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, and medical colleges across the state.
Key areas reviewed included the transfer of pregnant women to safe maternity homes and hospitals, installation of DG sets and inverters, stockpiling of essential medicines such as anti-snake venom, saline, ORS, halogen tablets, and life-saving drugs, and ensuring fuel supplies for ambulances and food stocks for patients.
The Secretary informed that final preparations have been completed in eight vulnerable districts—Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Kandhamal—as well as in other districts under orange and yellow warnings. Rapid Action Teams equipped with vehicles, tools, and manpower have been mobilized for emergency response.
As of this afternoon, 4,511 pregnant women have been identified across cyclone-prone areas, with 3,823 belonging to the eight red-warning districts. By evening, 1,073 women from low-lying and sensitive areas had already been relocated to Maa Gruhas (maternity waiting homes) and other health facilities. Among them, 202 have safely delivered. The Health Secretary directed officials to ensure 100% relocation of expectant mothers from vulnerable areas and maintain real-time coordination with district emergency units.
All superintendents of medical colleges and hospitals have been instructed to remain on high alert and extend full support to nearby districts. An emergency contingency fund of ₹2 lakh has been allocated to each district to address immediate needs.
Senior health officials including Special Secretary Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Public Health Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, and representatives from the National Health Mission (NHM) participated in the meeting.
Secretary Aswathy S. emphasized the importance of field-level vigilance, urging that the dedicated efforts of frontline health workers be recognized and reported to the state directorates.
