COVID-19: Odisha Govt Urges Medical College Authorities, CDMOs to Increase Surveillance, Testing and Preparedness

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Friday urged the medical college authorities and CDMOs to increase surveillance, testing and preparedness to combat any surge in COVID-19 positive cases in the Sate.

In a letter to all CDM & PHOs, medical colleges, RGH, Rourkela and Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar, Niranjan Mishra, Director, Public Health said that recent rise in COVID cases across the country necessitates immediate and proactive measure to combat any surge in positive cases in the state.

Surveillance should be increased and testing made available at all health institutions from CHC and above, the letter said.

For those testing positive for COVID, home isolation protocol should be strictly followed and necessary treatment provided. Dedicated beds and oxygen supported beds should be ensured and there should not be unnecessary referrals. The COVID management strategy should be strictly followed, the letter said.

The health authorities should coordinate and collaborate with district administration for increasing IEC/BCC for community awareness. The awareness campaign should emphasise that symptomatic, elderly and the vulnerable population must adhere to the COVID appropriate behavior, it added.

The health authorities have been asked to ensure adequate availability of test kit, reagents drugs and consumables in coordination with OSMCL.

There should be timely data entry and reporting as per the protocol. Training and capacity building of healthcare providers and laboratory personnel should be ensured, the Public Health Director stressed.