Bhubaneswar: To strengthen the post-flood healthcare system & ensure continuous monitoring of the health situation in affected areas, along with timely provision of necessary assistance, senior officials of the Health Department have been deployed to various flood-affected districts.
The officials deployed for the purpose left for their respective districts this morning and have begun reviewing the post-flood healthcare arrangements on the ground. They will also coordinate closely with the district administration and local health officials to assess the situation and take necessary measures.
Among the senior officials deployed by the Department, Special Secretary to Government Dr. Bijay Mishra has been assigned to Baleshwar, DPH Dr. Rabindra Mishra to Bhadrak, DFW Dr. Rajendra Panigrahi to Kendujhar & DHS Dr. M. M. Panda to Jajpur district.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said that the Health Department is taking extensive preventive measures to ensure that no epidemic or outbreak of disease occurs in the flood-affected areas following the prolonged flooding. Sanitation & disinfection of villages that remained submerged for a prolonged period will be accorded the highest priority. Once the floodwaters recede, extensive cleaning & disinfection of submerged villages, roads & public places will be undertaken.
Special emphasis will also be laid on controlling various water-borne and communicable diseases following the floods, ensuring the safety of drinking water, maintaining adequate stocks and availability of essential medicines, providing appropriate healthcare services & responding promptly to any emerging health-related issues. The Health Department is taking all necessary preparedness measures and steps to ensure uninterrupted access to essential healthcare services for the people during the post-flood period. The field-level presence & supervision of senior officials will further strengthen and enhance the effectiveness of healthcare services in the flood-affected areas.
In addition, steps will be taken to ensure the cleaning and disinfection of drinking water sources and the immediate removal of decaying and spoiled food items, animal carcasses and other decomposable materials left behind in the affected areas after the floods. The State Government is working with full commitment to ensure continuous field-level surveillance, early identification of potential health risks and their prompt management; thereby safeguarding the health and well-being of the people in the affected areas.
