Bhubaneswar-Amid concerns over the recent diarrhoea outbreak affecting multiple districts, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday conducted a high-level review meeting to assess the current scenario and evaluate the effectiveness of containment efforts. Reassuring the public, the Chief Minister stated that the situation is now largely under control, with a steady decline in new infection cases.
The outbreak, which had earlier affected six districts — Jajpur, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Kendrapada, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar — is reportedly easing. Health authorities informed the CM that a significant fall in daily cases has been observed and conditions are gradually returning to normal.
However, the Chief Minister urged district administrations not to lower their guard. He instructed officials to continue implementing preventive strategies, especially in vulnerable areas, until at least the Dussehra festival, to avoid any resurgence of the disease.
Special emphasis was laid on strengthening health infrastructure. Majhi directed that hospitals and medical colleges maintain the quality of treatment and continue offering timely support to affected patients. So far, 3,892 people have been hospitalized due to diarrhoea, out of which 3,543 have been discharged after recovery. As of now, 254 patients are still under treatment.
To curb further spread, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of food safety and hygiene. He ordered testing of food samples from roadside vendors and eateries, and implementation of strict sanitation standards. In rural regions, he instructed for regular sanitisation of borewells and continuous testing of water sources to rule out contamination.
Recognizing the risk posed to schoolchildren, Majhi directed the School and Mass Education Department to ensure strict adherence to government-issued preventive guidelines in all educational institutions. He asked for focused monitoring of school hygiene, drinking water quality, and midday meal safety.
Community-based awareness efforts were also highlighted during the review. Members of Mission Shakti Self-Help Groups (SHGs), ASHA workers, and Anganwadi workers are actively involved in raising awareness about diarrhoea prevention. These grassroots health volunteers are distributing IEC (Information, Education and Communication) materials to educate people about hygiene practices and early symptoms.
The review meeting was attended by several key officials including Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Health Secretary Aswathy S, and senior officers from the departments of Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Housing and Urban Development, Women and Child Development, and School and Mass Education.
In concluding the meeting, CM Majhi emphasized that while the state has made encouraging progress in containing the outbreak, maintaining proactive efforts is essential to fully eliminate the threat. He reiterated the importance of public cooperation, timely medical reporting, and inter-departmental coordination to ensure the state remains safeguarded from further escalation.
