Bhubaneswar: In a bid to further strengthen health services across the state and ensure quality treatment at all levels, Health Commissioner and Secretary Ashwathi S. chaired a high-level review meeting at the Health Department Conference Hall on Tuesday.
National Health Mission Managing Director Dr. Brundha D, Special Secretary Dr. Bijay Mohapatra, all departmental health directors, additional secretaries, and senior officers attended the meeting in person. Medical college deans, superintendents, district Chief Medical and Public Health Officers, and other district-level health officers joined virtually.
During the meeting, officials held detailed discussions on the current status of health services, disease control programmes, availability of doctors and paramedical staff, medicine stocks, and hospital infrastructure in various districts.
The Health Secretary directed all officers to take proactive steps in view of the upcoming monsoon season. She emphasized heightened alertness to prevent and control any potential outbreaks. Food inspectors have been asked to conduct thorough inspections regarding reports of food poisoning and jaundice in certain areas and submit reports to the respective District Collectors. All district administrations and health officers were instructed to remain vigilant and deliver timely, quality health services to the public while strengthening disease control preparedness.
The meeting reviewed several important areas including maternal and child health, vaccination drives, implementation of Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, AYUSH integration, PM Rahat scheme, fire safety measures in health facilities, sector meetings, and child health programmes.
The Secretary directed all medical institutions to ensure proper facilities for patients in hospitals. She also emphasized monitoring the attendance of officers through AI-based systems and giving it top priority.
Concluding the meeting, Ashwathi S. called upon all officers to work as a cohesive team. “The Health Department is fully committed to providing quality and affordable health services to the people of the state,” she said, urging everyone to maintain high standards of professionalism and responsiveness.
