Bhubaneswar, 22 August (H.S.): The Odisha Health Department has deployed senior officials to flood-affected districts to strengthen post-flood healthcare arrangements, monitor the emerging health situation and ensure timely medical assistance to people in affected areas.

The officials left for their respective districts on Saturday morning and have begun reviewing healthcare arrangements on the ground. They will coordinate with district administrations and local health authorities to assess post-flood health risks and take necessary preventive and remedial measures.

The officials deployed include Special Secretary to Government Dr. Bijay Mishra for Baleswar, Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr. Rabindra Mishra for Bhadrak, Director of Family Welfare (DFW) Dr. Rajendra Panigrahi for Kendujhar, and Director of Health Services (DHS) Dr. M. M. Panda for Jajpur.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the Health Department is undertaking extensive preventive measures to prevent any outbreak of epidemics or communicable diseases in areas that remained inundated for a prolonged period.

She said sanitation and disinfection of villages that were submerged would be accorded the highest priority. As floodwaters recede, extensive cleaning and disinfection of affected villages, roads and public places will be carried out.

The department is also focusing on preventing water-borne and other communicable diseases, ensuring the safety of drinking water, maintaining adequate stocks of essential medicines and providing uninterrupted healthcare services.

Special measures will also be taken to clean and disinfect drinking water sources and remove decaying food, animal carcasses and other decomposable materials left behind by the floods.

The government is strengthening field-level surveillance to facilitate early identification of potential health risks and their prompt management. The deployment of senior officials is expected to further strengthen supervision and coordination among health authorities in the flood-affected districts.

The Health Department has assured that all necessary preparedness measures are being taken to safeguard the health and well-being of people during the post-flood period.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda