Field Level Health Officials Alerted to Stay Prepared for Flood, Post-Flood Emergency 

Bhubaneswar, August 4: Field level health officials were directed to stay alert and all prepared for facing any emergency arising out of flash flood and possible breakout of waterborne diseases. Director Public Health Dr Ninjan Mishra sent a comprehensive guideline to Chief District Medical and Public Health Officers (CDM & PHOs) of all districts in this regard. It was clarified that the SOP given earlier should be strictly followed. 
The directions issued mentioned following broad action points.

•    Control room to made fully operational at district and block level with identified nodal officers and contact details. 
•    Block/GP/and Village wise vulnerability maps should be kept ready for immediate operation.
•    Supplies of essential drugs, ORS, halazone tabs, ASV and disinfectant to be prepositioned at suitable places particularly in vulnerable areas. 
•    Contingency plan for deployment of manpower and opening of MRCs should in all readiness. 
•    Arrangements should be made in advance for alternative power back up in health institutions. 
•    Plan in advance for safeguarding ILR points, vaccines, stock and store, particularly in the institutions and facilities likely to be affected by rain and flood. Make alternative power arrangements in such places. 
•    The list of pregnant women with EDD in near future to be kept in readiness so as to ensure safe referral to delivery points/Maa Gruhas as per the situation for vulnerable areas. 
•    Have regular coordination with district administration for management of any emergency/exigency/untoward situation
•    PHED/RWSS need supply of portable water through water tankers

Apart from the above, the CDM&PHOs were also asked to keep vigil over post flood public health issues, snake bites and likely breakout of waterborne diseases for prevention and containmen