Cyclone season: Odisha health dept issues advisory for Collectors, Municipal Commissioners

Amid apprehension of possible cyclonic storm Sitrang, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare department has issued advisory for officials to deal with post -monsoon cyclone season for the year 2022.

The advisory has been issued for all Municipal Commissioners, Collectors and DMs, Director, Capital Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Director, RGH Rourkela, All CDM and PHOs, Superintendents of all Government MCHs. 

“During the post-monsoon season there is the possibility of flood/ cyclone due to sudden low pressure. This warrants possible mass causality, disease outbreak and other emergency situations,” health department commissioner-cum- secretary Shalini Pandit wrote.  

Live Updates | Cyclone ‘Sitrang’ to skirt Odisha coast, likely to move towards West Bengal-Bangladesh coasts

The officials have been asked to ensure the following aspects on priority basis on receipt of cyclone warning: 

1. Sufficient stock of essential medicines for flood related diseases, water purifying tablets, anti snake venom in hospitals at different level. 
2. Sufficient stock of bleaching powder, chlorine tablets, lime powders etc will also be ensured. 
3. Necessary steps need to be taken for shifting of the pregnant women in vulnerable areas to MAA Gruha. Pregnant women having expected date of delivery (EDD) within next 10 days should be shifted to nearest Govt. hospital having safe delivery facility. 
4. Ensure power backup arrangement in all PHCs, CHCs, DHH and other Hospitals. 

The health department has also issued a detail action plan to combat cyclone and flood which includes functioning of control room 24X7, keeping of state rapid response team in readiness, inter-departmental coordination with SRC, OSDMA, IMD and other related departments, monitoring and supervision of logistics supply and mobilisation of additional manpower.