Odisha Govt Asks Field Level Health Officials To Stay Prepared For Flood Emergency

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has directed all field level health officials in the state to stay alert and prepared for facing any emergency arising out of flash flood and possible outbreak of waterborne diseases.

Public Health Director Dr Niranjan Mishra sent a comprehensive guideline to Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs) of all districts in this regard.

It was made clear that the SOP given earlier should be strictly followed, an official release said on Friday.

The directions issued mentioned following broad action points:

• Control room should be made fully operational at district and block level with identified nodal officers and contact details.
• Block/GP/and Village wise vulnerability maps should be kept ready for immediate operation.
• Supplies of essential drugs, ORS, halazone tablets, ASV and disinfectant should be prepositioned at suitable places particularly in vulnerable areas.
• Contingency plan for deployment of manpower and opening of MRCs should in all readiness.
• Arrangements should be made in advance for alternative power back up in health institutions.
• Plan in advance for safeguarding ILR points, vaccines, stock and store, particularly in the institutions and facilities likely to be affected by rain and flood. Make alternative power arrangements in such places.
• The list of pregnant women with EDD in near future to be kept in readiness so as to ensure safe referral to delivery points/Maa Gruhas as per the situation for vulnerable areas.
• Have regular coordination with district administration for management of any emergency/exigency/untoward situation
• PHED/RWSS need supply of portable water through water tankers

Apart from these, the CDM & PHOs were also asked to keep vigil over post flood public health issues, snake bites and likely outbreak of waterborne diseases for prevention and containment.