Ganjam district put on high alert following COVID outbreak in Andhra Pradesh
The office of the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer of the Ganjam district asked the concerned officials for the preparedness and heightened surveillance for COVID-19 following recent outbreak in the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh.
Brahmapur: The office of the Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer of the Ganjam district asked the concerned officials for the preparedness and heightened surveillance for COVID-19 following recent outbreak in the neighboring state of Andhra Pradesh.
The Chief District Medical & Public Health Officer in a letter to the DMO(MS)-Cum-Superintendent, City Hospital, Brahmapur, all Superintendents Sub-Divisional Hospitals (SDHs) / Community Health Centres (CHCs) of Ganjam District said that as per the revised guidelines issued by the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Odisha, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, all healthcare facilities under your control are hereby directed to strictly implement the following measures with immediate effect:
Heightened Surveillance & Testing:
- Ensure mandatory COVID-19 testing for all patients reporting with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).
- Ensure random COVID-19 testing for at least 5% of all patients reporting with Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).
Hospital Preparedness:
- Assess and ensure the operational readiness of isolation wards, oxygen-supported beds, and necessary medical logistics.
- Ensure that all oxygen plants (PSA plants), oxygen concentrators, and cylinders at your facility are fully functional and in a complete state of readiness.
Public Awareness (IEC Activities):
- Advise frontline healthcare workers (ASHA/ANM) to monitor their respective areas for any unusual clustering of fever or respiratory cases.
- Sensitize the public to maintain respiratory hygiene, seek early medical consultation if symptomatic, and avoid panic.
Stock Management of Essential Medicines:
- All Superintendents are requested to ensure the availability of essential drugs like: ORS/Paracetamol/ Zinc/Vit-A/ B2 stimulants, Respiratory solution/Azithromycin tab.
- It has come to light through recent print media reports that certain health institutions are facing a shortage or complete stock-out of Tetanus Toxoid (T. Toxoid) injections. This can be prevented by procuring from local market as per guideline.
You are strictly directed to verify your current inventory and ensure the uninterrupted availability of Inj. T. Toxoid. In case of any immediate shortage, you are hereby authorized and requested to undertake local procurement utilizing the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) funds, strictly in accordance with the prescribed government guidelines, the letter read adding that you are requested to monitor the situation on a daily basis and submit a daily report regarding SARI/ILI testing, infrastructure readiness, and logistics status to the District Public Health Unit. Any lapse in surveillance or essential medicine stock management will be viewed seriously.
