Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday stepped up measures to effectively deal with various waterborne and vector-borne diseases in the state.
Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling chaired a special review meeting to discuss the current situation and work out strategies to control diseases such as diarrhoea, jaundice, malaria, and dengue.
Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S informed the meeting that the state government has distributed long-lasting insecticidal-treated bed nets in malaria-prone districts, including Boudh, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Koraput, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Mayurbhanj. This apart, insecticide spraying is underway in 12 districts.
Officials said that dengue cases were reported in Balasore, Khurda, and Sundargarh districts last year.
The Minister gave direction to take proactive measures to prevent and control malaria and dengue. He said that steps should also be taken for widespread public awareness campaigns, diagnosis, and treatment.
As of June 23, a total of 31,449 dengue tests have been conducted, with 188 testing positive. The Health Minister has directed that more dengue tests and appropriate treatment be continued.
The meeting also reviewed the state’s maternal mortality ratio and infant mortality rate. The Minister stressed the need for monitoring these indicators on a priority basis. He expressed satisfaction with the improvement in the diarrhoea situation in six districts.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the department’s Secretary, Special Secretary, Public Health Director, Director of Health, Director of Family Welfare, Additional Director (Public Health), and Additional Director (Vector Borne Diseases).
