State Fully Prepared To Take Precautionary Measures On Monkeypox, Efforts On To Start Test Facilities In BBSR: Health Minister Naba Das

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das has said that the state is fully prepared to take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of Monkeypox virus. The Government is keeping a sharp eye on the developments in the country and has started taking steps to face the disease. He said various measures are being taken in the state and efforts are on to make available a test facility at ICMR, Bhubaneswar. The Center has been asked for supplying kits to test Monkeypox.

He also said that, from the 10th of August, training will be provided at the SCB Medical College to a select few paediatric, skin and medicine specialists from the districts. A Committee has also been formed to create awareness about Monkeypox under the leadership of Prof Jayant Panda. There is no need to panic over the disease. He also said that the state will soon come up with an SOP related to Monkeypox.

The Minister today held a high level review meeting of the Health Department officials which was attended by Principal Secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhala, NHM Director Shalini Pandit, Managing Director of Odisha State Medicine Corporation Limited Brundha D, RMRC Director Sanghamitra Pati, Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra, Prof Jayant Panda from SCB Medical College and other senior officials.