Brahmapur: The Ganjam district health administration has intensified COVID-19 preparedness and surveillance measures following reports of fresh cases and suspected COVID-19-related fatalities in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
The Office of the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer (CDM & PHO), Ganjam, has directed all government health facilities in the district to remain alert and ensure adequate arrangements to prevent and control any possible spread of infection.
In an official communication issued on July 13, 2026, the CDM & PHO instructed the DMO (MS)-cum-Superintendent of City Hospital, Brahmapur, and superintendents of all Sub-Divisional Hospitals (SDHs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) to strictly follow COVID-19 surveillance and preparedness protocols.
With Ganjam sharing proximity with Andhra Pradesh and witnessing regular inter-state movement, health authorities have stressed the need to strengthen testing and monitoring mechanisms. Hospitals have been asked to conduct mandatory COVID-19 testing for all patients reporting with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). Besides, random testing among at least five per cent of patients suffering from Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) has also been made mandatory.
The district health authorities have directed all hospitals to review the availability and functionality of isolation wards, oxygen-supported beds and critical medical infrastructure. PSA oxygen plants, oxygen concentrators and oxygen cylinders have been instructed to remain operational and ready for emergency use.
Frontline health workers, including ASHA and ANM workers, have been asked to closely monitor their areas for any unusual rise in fever and respiratory illness cases and immediately report any suspected clusters.
Hospitals have also been advised to maintain sufficient stocks of essential medicines, including ORS, paracetamol, zinc supplements, Vitamin-A, respiratory support drugs and azithromycin tablets.
Officials have appealed to the public to maintain respiratory hygiene, seek medical attention promptly in case of symptoms and avoid panic. The precautionary steps have been initiated to ensure that Ganjam remains prepared to handle any possible COVID-19 situation.
