The Odisha government has announced a series of special healthcare measures to protect vulnerable populations as floodwaters continue to affect several districts across the state. Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling said the government has placed special emphasis on maternal healthcare, emergency medical services, and the prevention of disease outbreaks in flood-hit areas.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Mahaling said all district health authorities have been instructed to identify pregnant women living in flood-prone villages and shift those nearing delivery to nearby hospitals or healthcare facilities before their condition becomes critical. The aim is to ensure safe institutional deliveries despite disruptions caused by inundated roads and rising water levels.
The Health Minister also directed hospitals and primary health centres to remain on high alert, with adequate stocks of essential medicines, blood, oxygen, and emergency medical equipment. Ambulances and mobile medical units have been deployed to provide healthcare services in inaccessible areas, while medical teams are conducting regular visits to relief camps to treat patients and monitor public health conditions.
Recognising the increased risk of snakebite incidents during floods, the government has instructed all healthcare facilities to maintain sufficient stocks of anti-snake venom and ensure trained medical personnel are available to provide immediate treatment. Public awareness campaigns are also being conducted to educate residents about avoiding snakebite risks and seeking prompt medical care if bitten.
Officials have intensified disease surveillance to prevent outbreaks of diarrhoea, cholera, malaria, dengue, and other waterborne or vector-borne illnesses that commonly emerge after floods. Teams are monitoring water quality, distributing chlorine tablets, promoting sanitation measures, and ensuring the availability of safe drinking water in affected villages and relief shelters.
The health response is part of Odisha's broader flood relief operation, which includes the evacuation of residents from low-lying areas, rescue missions by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Fire Services, and the distribution of food, drinking water, and other essential supplies. Authorities said all departments are working in coordination to minimise loss of life and provide timely assistance to affected communities.
The state government has appealed to residents to follow official advisories, cooperate with rescue personnel, and immediately report medical emergencies through local health authorities. With rainfall expected to continue in parts of Odisha, officials said the healthcare system remains on high alert to ensure uninterrupted medical services and safeguard the health of flood-affected families.
