Bhubaneswar, June 25: Odisha Health Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling convened a high-level review meeting at the Loksabha Bhawan to assess the current status of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, including dengue, malaria, diarrhea, and jaundice.
During the meeting, Health and Family Welfare Secretary Aswathy S informed the Minister that long-lasting insecticidal nets have been distributed in malaria-prone districts such as Boudh, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Koraput, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Rayagada, and Mayurbhanj. Insecticide spraying is also being carried out across 12 districts to curb mosquito-borne diseases.
Citing last year's dengue cases in Balasore, Khordha, and Sundargarh, the Minister instructed officials to take proactive steps to prevent outbreaks. These include intensified public awareness campaigns, early diagnosis, and effective treatment protocols for malaria and dengue.
As per the latest data available until June 23, a total of 31,449 dengue tests have been conducted across the state, of which 188 returned positive. The Minister has emphasized the need to scale up testing and ensure timely treatment for affected patients.
The review also covered the state's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and infant mortality rate (IMR), with Dr. Mahaling stressing the importance of closely monitoring these key health indicators. He also expressed satisfaction over the improved situation regarding diarrhea in six districts.
Senior officials from the Health Department, including the Secretary, Special Secretary, Director of Public Health, Director of Health Services, Director of Family Welfare, and Additional Directors in charge of Public Health and Vector-Borne Diseases, were present at the meeting.
