Health Minister Reviews Post-Cyclone Recovery of Healthcare l Services in Ganjam

Temporary Hospitals Set Up at Women’s College in Asika; Another to Begin Functioning at Kendriya Vidyalaya

21 Additional Mobile Health Units to Be Deployed; 10 Already Operational

Five Private Healthcare Institutions to Extend Medical Support to Flood-Hit People

Minister Directs Early Restoration of Mobile Networks, Drinking Water and Other Essential Services

 News,Odishabarta

Brahmapur,, November 2, 2026: Odisha Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling on Monday visited several cyclone and flood-affected areas and healthcare institutions in Ganjam district to review the post-Cyclone Arnab situation, particularly the restoration of healthcare services and other essential infrastructure.

During his visit, the Minister reviewed the functioning of hospitals, availability of medical facilities, deployment of doctors and healthcare personnel, sanitation, biomedical waste management, electricity supply, drinking water facilities and restoration of telecommunication services. He directed officials to ensure uninterrupted and quality healthcare for all affected people, stressing that no patient should be deprived of essential medical treatment due to the disaster.

The Minister visited the Sub-Divisional Hospital (SDH) at Asika and reviewed the availability of medical services, patient facilities, attendance of doctors and healthcare workers, cleanliness and waste management systems.

He instructed hospital authorities to ensure proper segregation and safe disposal of biomedical and general waste, along with regular sanitation of the hospital premises.

Emphasising uninterrupted power supply, Dr. Mahaling directed officials to ensure the proper functioning of alternative power arrangements so that emergency treatment, surgeries, laboratory services and other critical healthcare activities are not disrupted due to power failures.

In view of the disruption of regular healthcare services caused by the flood situation, the Minister directed the authorities to make two temporary hospitals operational at the Women’s College and Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) in Asika. Medical services have already commenced at the Women’s College, while arrangements are being made to operationalise the facility at Kendriya Vidyalaya. He instructed officials to ensure the availability of doctors, nurses, medicines and necessary medical equipment at both centres to provide primary and emergency treatment, with referral arrangements for patients requiring advanced medical care.

To reach people living in remote and waterlogged areas, the government has decided to deploy an additional 21 Mobile Health Units (MHUs) in the affected areas.

 These units, along with medical teams, are being mobilised from neighbouring districts. Of these, 10 units have already reached Ganjam and started providing services.

The mobile medical teams will conduct health check-ups, distribute essential medicines and provide medical advice to affected communities.

The Minister also stressed the need for close surveillance and preventive measures against possible post-flood diseases, including fever, diarrhoea, skin infections and other waterborne and communicable diseases. Sanitary napkins are also being distributed among women in the affected areas.

Additionally, four more Food Safety Officers will be deployed from Tuesday to conduct food inspections and ensure food safety in the flood-affected areas.

The Minister also emphasised the need for collaboration between government and private healthcare institutions to provide advanced medical facilities to affected people. Representatives of five private healthcare institutions — Hi-Tech, Apollo, SUM, Vikas and Mahanadi Netralaya — were engaged in discussions regarding their support and deployment of medical services. These institutions are expected to reach the affected areas by Tuesday and extend healthcare assistance.

Dr. Mahaling observed that effective coordination between government and private healthcare institutions would help ensure faster and more comprehensive medical assistance during the post-disaster recovery period.

During the visit, the Minister also inspected Jagamohan and Jahada Community Health Centres (CHCs) and reviewed the availability of medical services, essential medicines and other healthcare supplies.

He interacted with officials to assess the health-related needs of local residents and the difficulties they were facing following the floods. He directed the authorities to expand healthcare services wherever necessary and ensure that medical assistance reaches people at their doorsteps.

Apart from healthcare, the Minister reviewed the restoration of other essential infrastructure, particularly telecommunication services. He directed BSNL and other telecom service providers to expedite the restoration of mobile networks and communication facilities in the affected areas.

Pointing out that uninterrupted communication is crucial during emergencies, he stressed that ambulance services, healthcare workers, administrative officials and the general public must be able to remain connected without disruption.

The Minister also reviewed the drinking water supply situation and instructed officials to ensure the availability of safe and clean drinking water in all affected areas. He emphasised the need for cleaning water sources, regular testing of drinking water quality and making alternative arrangements wherever required to prevent waterborne diseases.

Dr. Mahaling directed officials of all concerned departments to accord top priority to restoring basic services for the affected population. He stressed that instructions must translate into prompt action at the ground level, backed by regular monitoring and effective coordination among departments. He also advised officials to listen sensitively to people’s grievances and address them without delay.

The state government, he said, is committed to accelerating post-Cyclone Arnab recovery operations, with particular emphasis on public health, safety and the restoration of essential services such as drinking water, electricity and telecommunications.

During the visit, Special Secretary (Technical), Dr. Bhavani Shankar Mishra, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan, Bhanjanagar Sub-Collector and other senior district and health department officials accompanied the Minister.