The Ministry of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education has formulated a new set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) outlining the measures to be taken by the health center and doctor in case of a cyclone.
In the seven-page SOP document, they explain how doctors should respond during such an event and what rehabilitative and preventive measures must be taken at sub-centre, primary, community, regional, district and teaching hospitals to ensure public health.
According to a ministry release on Sunday (October 26), health officials have prepared an updated SOP as per the directions of Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav. Health officials reviewed the previous orders and prepared an updated SOP after consulting the AP State Disaster Management Authority and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The same has been sent to all district officials in view of impending severe cyclonic storm Montha. Meanwhile, all primary health centers (PHCs) in the state have been directed to maintain adequate stock of antibiotics, snake venom and rabies vaccines.
According to the SOP, each PHC must have at least 30 bottles of snake venom, antibiotics sufficient for 500 people, 500 ORS packets or 200 bottles of ORS fluids. SOPs also list measures that each health center must take, such as medical camps and maintaining hygiene.
Health and Family Welfare Commissioner G. Veerapandian has been appointed as the state’s nodal officer to ensure inter-departmental coordination. The State Epidemic Cell, which was created in view of the cyclone, should run 24/7 as per the SOP.
According to a statement from the department, doctors and medical staff have been instructed to remain available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Health officials have been asked to prepare lists of pregnant women, the elderly, differently abled individuals and patients with chronic diseases and move those who need immediate care to health centers.
Published – 26 Oct 2025 21:33 IST
