Puri: Health Secy Reviews Preparations for Ratha Yatra

Puri: Ahead of world famous Ratha Yatra, Health and Family Welfare Department Secretary Shalini Pandit on Wednesday visited Puri to take stock of healthcare facilities in the pilgrim city.

A preparedness meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Health Secretary at DTU, Puri in presence of MD OSMCL, Directors, CDM&PHO, ADM (Gen), PD, Dean & Principal of SJMC and other officials.

Pandit directed the CDMO and Public Health Officers to be on full alert to ensure the provision of healthcare services from Nabajauban Darsahn to Gundicha Jatra and Bahuda Jatra.

The meeting mainly discussed setting up of fast-aid centers at important places, provision of ambulance services, manpower for traveling to Puri, doctors, medical teams, paramedical staff, food safety inspection teams, prevention of various infectious diseases, health and family. Coordination between departments related to welfare services, covid management, provision of intensive care beds in various hospitals for emergency services, heat stroke treatment system etc. were discussed in detail.

It was decided to provide 132 more emergency beds and 82 heat stroke treatment beds in Puri district hospitals and nearby hospitals.

The Health Secretary also directed to keep the casualty and emergency medical units in full readiness. First Aid Centers will be set up at multiple places on the Grand Road.

Apart from this, 30 ambulances will be kept ready at various important places. Two teams will be deployed for food safety inspection and special health awareness program will be organized. Meanwhile, 25 oxygen beds, operation theater and ICU have been fully prepared in the district headquarters hospital. In order to avoid the possibility of spread of infectious diseases during Ratha Yatra, the district health officials have tightened the inspection of food safety and drinking water system.

Pandit also directed to send more than 240 specialist doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other paramedical staff from the State to Puri.

During her visit, Pandit also visited the dialysis centre, chemotherapy centre, BSKY cell, casualty, laundry, kitchen and wards at DHH-cum-SJMCH, Puri.

She expressed satisfaction on receiving positive feedback from the patients regarding cashless care received by them.