Sun Oct 26 16:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text, keeping in mind the “The Hindu” context you provided:

Summary:

In anticipation of Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha, the Department of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education in Andhra Pradesh, India, has issued updated Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for health centers and doctors. These SOPs detail actions to be taken before, during, and after the cyclone to protect public health. Measures include stocking essential medicines (antibiotics, anti-snake venom, rabies vaccines), establishing medical camps, maintaining sanitation, and identifying/relocating vulnerable individuals (pregnant women, elderly, disabled, chronically ill) to healthcare facilities. The Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare will serve as the State Nodal Officer for coordination, and a 24/7 State Epidemic Cell has been activated.

News Article:

Andhra Pradesh Health Department Prepares for Cyclone Montha with Updated Safety Protocols

Vijayawada, October 26, 2025: As Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha approaches, the Andhra Pradesh Department of Health, Family Welfare and Medical Education has released a comprehensive set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure the safety and well-being of the public. The updated protocols outline specific actions to be taken by health centers and medical personnel across the state in preparation for, during, and after the cyclone.

The seven-page document, formulated following directives from Minister for Health Satya Kumar Yadav and in consultation with the A.P. State Disaster Management Authority and India Meteorological Department (IMD), provides detailed guidelines for sub-centers, primary health centers (PHCs), community health centers, area hospitals, district hospitals, and teaching hospitals.

A key focus of the SOPs is ensuring adequate supplies of essential medications. All PHCs have been instructed to maintain substantial stocks of antibiotics (sufficient for 500 people), anti-snake venom (at least 30 vials), and rabies vaccines, as well as 500 ORS packets or 200 ORS bottles.

The protocols also emphasize proactive measures such as establishing medical camps and rigorously maintaining sanitation to prevent the outbreak of waterborne diseases following the storm. Health workers have been tasked with identifying and prioritizing vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, elderly individuals, those with disabilities, and patients with chronic illnesses, and ensuring their safe relocation to healthcare facilities when necessary.

“Our priority is to protect the health and safety of our citizens,” stated an official release from the department. “These updated SOPs provide clear guidance to our medical professionals on how to best respond to the challenges posed by Cyclone Montha.”

The Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, G. Veerapandian, has been appointed as the State Nodal Officer to oversee coordination efforts. The State Epidemic Cell has been activated and will operate 24/7 to monitor the situation and respond to any emerging health concerns.

All doctors and paramedical staff have been instructed to remain on call and available to the public at all times. The Health Department urges residents to stay informed about the cyclone’s progress and to heed the advice of local authorities.

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