Bhubaneswar, Jun 19: Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s response to the recent diarrhoea outbreak, which has affected several districts including Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Cuttack.

The minister confirmed that the situation is now under control, with coordinated efforts from both the state government and central health teams.

According to findings from the Central team and state health sources, the outbreak was primarily caused by contaminated drinking water. In response, authorities have intensified water quality monitoring, sealing off unsafe water sources and disabling contaminated tube wells.

In Jajpur district, ASHA workers have been distributing soap to every household to promote hand hygiene. Schools in Jajpur and Bhadrak have been granted a two-day closure to prevent further spread.

Enforcement teams have also cracked down on unhygienic food vendors, collecting fines — ₹1 lakh in Bhadrak alone — from fast food outlets violating safety norms.

To bolster healthcare preparedness ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri, the state has deployed 390 doctors and paramedical staff, arranged over 280 hospital beds, and stationed 70 ambulances across key locations.

The Health Minister emphasized that the department is functioning with full authority and commitment, even in areas previously influenced by political pressure.

Mahaling reiterated that any water source testing positive for contamination is being sealed immediately, and awareness campaigns are being conducted door-to-door. The government has also ramped up enforcement and surveillance to prevent recurrence.

The minister assured the public that Odisha’s health infrastructure is equipped to handle such outbreaks and that proactive steps are being taken to safeguard public health.

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