Bhubaneswar: In view of the post-diarrhea care and health conditions arising out of flood situation, the Odisha government has taken prompt and proactive steps to address public health concerns.
According to an official press release, two specialized health teams have been deployed in Keonjhar, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj districts to monitor, manage, and support the local response efforts.
A dedicated team under the leadership of Dr Prameela Baral, Additional Director of Public Health, has been deployed to Keonjhar district to oversee the post-diarrhea situations. Dr Baral is closely monitoring the situation on the ground, particularly focusing on water- and food-borne diseases. She is working in close coordination with the district administration to analyze the current health scenario, implement appropriate prevention and control measures, and ensure effective communication to the public on diarrhea prevention. She is also reviewing the stock position and availability of essential logistics and consumables such as ORS, IV fluids, antibiotics, disinfection of all drinking water sources, distribution of halazone tablets, and other critical items to ensure uninterrupted support to the affected population and monitoring laboratory activities.
Meanwhile, another team led by Dr Binay Das Mohapatra, Joint Director, has been deployed to Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts to assess the impact of the ongoing flood situation and to help prevent the emergence of water-borne diseases. This team is working closely with district authorities to monitor for any unusual health events, issue advisories to prevent outbreaks, and implement measures to address and manage snake bite cases.
As part of the preparedness strategy, Dr Mohapatra is also ensuring that Anti-Snake Venom (ASV) is available in all health facilities, in accordance with government guidelines, and verifying the availability of necessary emergency logistics and medical supplies and availability of essential logistics and consumables such as ORS, IV fluids, antibiotics, disinfection of all drinking water sources, and distribution of halazone tablets.
The Health & Family Welfare Department of the Odisha government, remains fully committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring a timely, coordinated, and effective response to any health emergencies arising out of the current situation, the release added.
