Issued by: Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao, District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO), Visakhapatnam | Date: 15.07.2026
Visakhapatnam : Indian News Times:On this day, 15.07.2026, the Honorable District Collector, M. Abhishikth Kishore (IAS), held a review meeting at the conference hall with the Project Director (ICDS), the District Medical and Health Officer (Dr. P. Jagadeeswara Rao), and District Program Officers. During the review, the District Collector noted that while pediatric specialists are stationed at King George Hospital (KGH) for the SNCU and DEIC units, it would be beneficial to have pediatricians available in peripheral areas as well.
In response, the DMHO explained that the government had sanctioned the facility specifically within the KGH premises and that the staff salaries are paid under the National Health Mission (NHM). Regarding seasonal diseases, the District Collector asked the DMHO to explain the transmission and symptoms of Scrub Typhus; the DMHO provided a detailed explanation. The District Collector then requested details on the 537 reported cases of Typhoid. He directed the District Surveillance Officer (DSO) to coordinate with the GVMC, analyze the Typhoid cases, and implement control measures in the affected areas. He also expressed satisfaction that the number of Malaria cases recorded was lower than in the previous year. It was stated that Visakhapatnam ranking first in dengue cases in Andhra Pradesh is a cause for concern and that the public should be informed about this via social media. Regarding food poisoning outbreaks in Bakkannapalem and Gambhiram caused by contaminated water, instructions were given to ensure chlorination is carried out in coordination with the Panchayat Raj Department for rural areas and the GVMC for urban areas. It was directed that a 'Health Core Group' be formed, relevant officials be added to it, and IDSP weekly reports be included. The District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) ordered that GVMC health staff also attend future meetings.
Instructions were issued for Mid-Level Health Providers (MLHPs) to participate in the 'Mustabu' program implemented by the ICDS. The District Malaria Officer was directed to coordinate with the GVMC to form Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) for each secretariat and to ensure the maintenance of anti-malaria certificates in schools, as well as the documentation of daily fever cases (Forms S and L) and treatment records via the IHIP system. An action plan for the next three months was ordered to be prepared in advance. Additionally, it was emphasized that efforts should be made to prevent teenage pregnancies as much as possible, in collaboration with the ICDS. Instructions were issued for ASHA and ANM workers to conduct door-to-door surveys—including the homes of local political leaders and high-ranking government officials—and to ensure zero mortality in line with IMR and MMR reporting standards. Coordination with ICDS is required to gather RCH and teenage pregnancy data. Furthermore, ICDS supervisors and Health Department supervisors must collaborate to ensure no children are missed during immunization drives; Medical Officers are directed to identify gaps in Urban Health Centers and ensure 100% immunization coverage. Dr. Lucy, the District Immunization Officer, reported that 65.46% of the target population has received the HPV vaccine and noted that certain NGOs are also assisting with administration. Instructions were also given to coordinate the 'Stop Diarrhea' program with ICDS, ensuring preliminary reports are submitted within 24 hours and final reports within 48 hours. Emphasis was placed on preventing maternal and infant deaths, establishing a dedicated committee, and streamlining monitoring processes from three levels down to two. Finally, instructions were issued to ensure that normal deliveries take place at the health institutions. It was reported that C-section deliveries are prevalent in private hospitals and that the registration of pregnant women stands at 83.62%, partly due to 54 vacancies for ANMs and the fact that work is not being fully accomplished by in-charge ANMs. Instructions were given to ensure that JSY benefits reach all eligible individuals. Furthermore, directives were issued to ensure ASHA and ANM workers conduct door-to-door surveys and to clearly distinguish between "surveys" and "surveillance." Dr. B. Harika, the RBSK District Coordinator, was instructed to coordinate with the School DEO and ICDS officials regarding the RBSK annual, weekly, and monthly calendars, as well as the issuance of certificates. It was also reported that 57.63% of the target population has been screened under the NCD 4.0 program.
For the next National TB Elimination Program, all TB Supervisors were informed to collect data in their respective areas and ensure that no new cases were reported. It was informed that out of 36,767 people tested in the National AIDS Control Program from April to June 2026, only 7 cases were found positive.
It was further informed that post-natal services are being provided to pregnant women through twenty-three 102 Mother and Child Express vehicles, emergency services are being provided through fifteen 108 ambulances, and services are being provided through seven 104 mobile treatment vehicles.
It was further informed that the next National Beauty Prevention Program should be coordinated with the DEO and organized in schools.
It was further informed that free medical services are being provided to those below the poverty line through NTR Vaidya Seva, Ayushman Bharat Registration Online through MRO, and those with income proof are being provided through the MRO.
It was informed that 4,327 calls were received through Telemanas through the National Mental Health Program, out of which 2,365 were psychiatric calls, 1,962 were other calls, and 335 were referral calls.
District Media Officer Sri B. Nageswara Rao instructed them to inform the public about all the above matters through social media and newspapers.
Dr. R Ramesh, D.A.L. T. O, Dr. Lucy, D.I.O, Dr. B. Umavathi, DPMO, Sri, B. Nageswara Rao, Demo, Dr. B. Harika, RBSK District Coordinator, Dr. N. V. Samatha, Women Health Officer, other district program officers, and health staff participated in this meeting.
District Medical and Health Officer
Visakhapatnam
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