Bhubaneswar: As Cyclone ‘Montha’ approaches, Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has made comprehensive arrangements to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services during and after the cyclone.
The department has mobilised its resources, including ‘108’ and ‘102’ ambulances, Mobile Health Units, and Rapid Action Teams, which will work in close coordination with the Control Room. Medical Colleges and Hospitals have been asked to keep in touch with the Chief Medical Officers of nearby districts for expert advice and services.
Hospitals and health centres have been stocked with essential medicines, including over 3.71 crore paracetamol tablets, 1.87 crore ORS solutions, and 3.82 crore zinc tablets. Additionally, snakebite injections, bleaching powder, oxygen cylinders, blood units, and blood products are also available.
The department has also made arrangements to provide emergency medicines, human resources, and trauma kits as needed. 24×7 control rooms have been made operational in district headquarters hospitals to ensure prompt response to emergencies.
Furthermore, the department is prepared to tackle potential water-borne and insect-borne diseases in flood-affected areas, with a stock of medicines and awareness dissemination plans in place. With these preparations, the Health and Family Welfare Department is geared up to provide quality healthcare services to the people of Odisha during the cyclone and its aftermath.
