Floods spark health emergency in Odisha, govt sends expert teams to flood-hit districts

Odisha government dispatches expert health teams to flood-hit Keonjhar, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj districts to tackle post-diarrhoea care and prevent water-borne diseases, led by Dr. Prameela Baral and Dr. Binay Das Mohapatra.

Odisha flood

Villagers crossing flooded road in Balasore (File)

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In view of the post-diarrhoea care and health conditions arising out of the flood situation, the Odisha government has sent two specialized health teams to 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-diarrhoea 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 diarrhoea prevention, an official release read.

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"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," it read.

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. 

As per the official release, 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 AntiSnake 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 disribution of halazone tablets.

"The State Health & Family Welfare Department 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," it added.

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