Odisha’s Health Minister, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, will visit Jajpur and Keonjhar districts on Sunday to review the alarming diarrhoea outbreak affecting these regions.
The minister’s intervention follows reports of over 500 cases in Jajpur, with Danagadi and Dharmasala emerging as the hardest-hit areas. The situation has raised significant public health concerns, prompting immediate action from state authorities.
The minister’s itinerary includes visits to key healthcare facilities in Jajpur, such as Badachana, Dharmasala, and Madhuban hospitals, as well as the Jajpur District Headquarters Hospital. He will also inspect Anandapur Hospital in Keonjhar. Mahaling is scheduled to hold a meeting with district health officials to assess the situation, review containment measures, and ensure adequate medical support for affected communities. According to the minister’s office, the focus will be on identifying the causes of the outbreak and strengthening healthcare responses.
In Jajpur, the diarrhoea situation has spiralled out of control, with critical conditions reported in the municipalities of Jajpur and Jajpur Road, as well as the blocks of Danagadi, Korei, Dharmasala, and Badachana. Contaminated water and unhygienic food are suspected as primary causes, exacerbating the spread of the disease. Health authorities have issued advisories urging residents to avoid consuming outside food and untreated water, recommending home-cooked meals and boiled or filtered water instead.
For those showing symptoms of diarrhoea, officials have advised immediate consultation with local ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, or nearby health centres. The state’s Special Health Secretary has emphasised that individuals experiencing severe watery diarrhoea should seek hospital care without delay. This guidance aims to curb complications and reduce the strain on already overwhelmed medical facilities.
The outbreak has sparked widespread concern among residents, with many calling for improved sanitation and water supply systems to prevent future crises. The minister’s visit is expected to shed light on the scale of the problem and outline a roadmap for both immediate relief and long-term prevention.
As Odisha grapples with this public health emergency, the state government’s swift response will be crucial in containing the outbreak and restoring normalcy to the affected districts. The outcome of Sunday’s review will likely shape the next steps in this ongoing battle against diarrhea in Jajpur and Keonjhar.
