Bhubaneswar, May 23: The Odisha government on Saturday conducted a high-level review of its preparedness to tackle any possible outbreak of the Ebola virus disease, with Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling directing officials to strengthen airport screening systems and intensify surveillance measures across the state.

The review meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhavan, focused on assessing the state’s readiness to handle any potential Ebola-related health emergency. Senior officials examined the status of precautionary measures, healthcare infrastructure, isolation facilities, and the availability of medicines and protective equipment.

During the meeting, the Health Minister emphasized the need for stricter screening protocols at airports and stressed the importance of early detection of suspected cases. He also highlighted the need to keep isolation wards fully prepared and ensure adequate stocks of medicines and safety gear.

Officials further decided to step up public awareness campaigns on the Ebola virus to prevent panic and curb the spread of misinformation and rumours among the public.

Mahaling stated that the Odisha government is fully prepared to respond to any possible health emergency and urged citizens to remain alert and informed without giving in to unnecessary panic.

Among those present at the meeting were Health and Family Welfare Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Aswathy S., National Health Mission Managing Director Dr. Brunda D., Special Secretaries Dr. Bijay Mahapatra and Dr. Nilakantha Mishra, Bhubaneswar Airport DGM (Operations) Umakant Patel, senior government officials, and the Director of Public Health.