Bhubaneswar, May 12: In preparation for the upcoming monsoon season, the Odisha Health Department is taking proactive steps to strengthen health services across the state. Health Commissioner and Secretary Ashwathi S. chaired a high-level review meeting at the Health Department Conference Hall on Tuesday to assess readiness and ensure quality healthcare delivery.

Officials discussed the current status of health services, disease control programs, availability of medical and paramedical staff, medicine stocks, and hospital infrastructure across districts. Emphasizing vigilance, the Health Secretary directed officers to adopt proactive measures to prevent and manage potential disease outbreaks during the monsoon.

Food inspectors have been instructed to carry out thorough checks following reports of food poisoning and jaundice in certain areas and to submit findings to the respective District Collectors. District administrations and health officers were urged to maintain high alertness and provide timely, quality healthcare while reinforcing disease control measures.

The meeting also reviewed key areas, including maternal and child health, vaccination campaigns, implementation of schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Gopabandhu Jan Arogya Yojana, AYUSH integration, the PM Rahat scheme, fire safety in healthcare facilities, sector meetings, and child health programs.

Ashwathi S. directed all medical institutions to ensure proper patient care facilities and highlighted the importance of monitoring staff attendance using AI-based systems. She stressed that timely service delivery and professional accountability remain top priorities.

Concluding the meeting, the Health Secretary called for cohesive teamwork among all officers, stating, “The Health Department is fully committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare to the people of Odisha.” She urged officials to uphold high standards of professionalism and responsiveness.

The meeting was attended by National Health Mission Managing Director Dr. Brundha D., Special Secretary Dr. Bijay Mohapatra, departmental health directors, additional secretaries, and senior officers. Medical college deans, hospital superintendents, district Chief Medical and Public Health Officers, and other district-level health officials participated virtually.