Bhubaneswar- In a significant step toward curbing waterborne diseases during the monsoon season, the Odisha Government has officially launched the “Stop Diarrhoea” campaign across the state. The initiative was inaugurated by State Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling at the Bhuban Cluster Health Centre in Dhenkanal district.
Highlighting the state’s commitment to public health, Dr. Mahaling emphasized that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, both central and state governments are giving top priority to preventive healthcare. He described diarrhoea as a seasonal affliction that intensifies during monsoon due to unsafe drinking water and poor sanitation, and asserted that the government is taking all necessary preventive and curative steps under the direct supervision of the Chief Minister.
The campaign, which will run until July 31, includes a comprehensive awareness drive, distribution of essential medical supplies, and field-level health worker training. Minister Mahaling urged citizens to adopt basic hygiene practices like regular handwashing, consumption of safe water, healthy eating, and proper sanitation to prevent diarrhoeal outbreaks.
The state has ensured adequate stock of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), Zinc tablets, and essential medicines across Anganwadi centres, health sub-centres, community centres, and Arogya Mandirs. Health workers, Anganwadi workers, ANMs, and multipurpose health staff have been trained to detect and manage diarrhoea cases early.
Dr. Mahaling directed health workers to go door-to-door distributing ORS packets, Zinc tablets, and information pamphlets while educating families about prevention methods. He also advised people to immediately consult doctors at nearby health centres if diarrhoea symptoms appear, and stressed the importance of following medical advice in daily life.
During the launch event, the Minister personally distributed ORS and Zinc packets to local mothers as a symbolic gesture of community engagement. The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pani, Parjang MLA Bibhuti Pradhan, Hindol MLA Simarani Nayak, Kamakhyanagar MLA Shatrughna Jena, Bhuban NAC Chairman Shubhendu Sahu, District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay, and CDMO Dr. Sanjay Mahapatra. They addressed the public on the importance of health awareness and safeguarding communities from seasonal diseases.
Following the program at Bhuban, the Minister visited Kamakhyanagar Sub-divisional Hospital to review the status of diarrhoea cases. He consulted local representatives and healthcare officials to assess preparedness and advised them to stay alert and focus on health service delivery, awareness, and community safety.
