Odisha Launches Intensive Drive to Curb Diarrhoea in Flood-Hit Districts

Bhubaneswar, July 3 : In response to the rising risk of waterborne diseases following recent floods, the Odisha Government will launch a special disinfection and awareness drive to contain the spread of diarrhoea in flood-affected districts. The campaign will be jointly implemented by the Health and Family Welfare Department and the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, with coordinated efforts from field-level officials.

A detailed action plan was finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Health Secretary Aswathy S. on Thursday. The discussion focused on the health impacts of receding floodwaters, especially in five vulnerable blocks along the Subarnarekha, Jalaka, and Budhabalanga rivers.

Two-Phase Disinfection Drive Begins July 4

The intensive disinfection drive will be carried out in two phases—on July 4 and again on July 11—targeting villages and public institutions in flood-hit areas. A joint guideline has been issued for field officers outlining the disinfection and monitoring protocols.

Key activities of the campaign include:

• Super chlorination of drinking water sources
• Cleaning and disinfection of health facilities, schools, marketplaces, and public spaces
• Household-level awareness drives led by ASHAs, ANMs, and health workers
• Intensified food safety inspections in eateries, bottling plants, and hotels
• Penal action for food safety violations

Field Action and Monitoring Measures

All 377 Rapid Response Teams currently deployed will be mobilized to the flood-affected areas for on-ground intervention and monitoring. Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) and District Public Health Officers have been directed to undertake extensive field visits and ensure effective and timely execution of the campaign.

Focus on Medical Preparedness

The meeting also highlighted measures to bolster medical preparedness, including:

• Ensuring adequate stock of anti-venom at PHCs and CHCs
• Deploying MBBS doctors in affected blocks for immediate medical response
• Enhancing laboratory surveillance through increased sample collection and testing

Senior officers and state-level monitoring teams will be visiting the impacted regions to supervise and evaluate field-level implementation.

Despite the challenges, officials noted that the diarrhoeal situation is currently under control, owing to increased public awareness and timely preventive actions already in place.

The state government’s proactive initiative aims not just at immediate disease control but also at reinforcing public health infrastructure to manage post-flood risks effectively.