Odisha asks medical colleges, CDMOs to increase surveillance, testing for potential COVID-19 surge
Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra in a letter to all medical colleges and CDMOs said: «The recent rise in COVID-19 cases across India necessitates immediate and proactive measures to combat any surge in COVID-19 cases in the state. In continuation of the earlier communication, you are requested to implement the action points given therein and to remain alert to meet any exigency».
The state government said that ILI (influenza-like illness), and SARI (severe acute respiratory infection) surveillance should be increased and testing to be made available in every health institution.
For those found positive, it said home isolation protocol is to be strictly followed and necessary treatment support should be provided besides ensuring dedicated beds and oxygen-supported beds for any admission and management as per the COVID management protocol and there should not be any unnecessary referrals.
It also asked the authorities that the COVID management strategy should be followed.
«Coordinate and collaborate with district administration for increasing IEC (Information Education Communication) and BCC (Behaviour Change Communication) for community awareness emphasising that symptomatic, elderly and vulnerable populations should adhere to the COVID-19 appropriate behaviour,» the letter said.
It also asked the authorities to ensure adequate availability of test kits, reagents drugs, and consumables to deal with the COVID situation in coordination with Odisha State Medical Corporation Limited.
This apart, the authorities were told that there should be timely data entry and reporting as per the said protocol, training and capacity building of healthcare providers and laboratory personnel and keeping a contingency plan
