New Delhi. The Union Health Secretary on Monday issued an updated advisory to states and union territories regarding air pollution. The advisory includes recommendations for states and union territories to strengthen existing health systems and raise awareness among vulnerable groups and at-risk businesses.
The advisory suggests developing detailed action plans at the district and city level to address the health impacts of climate change, including strategies to combat air pollution. It also emphasizes on expanding the network of sentinel hospitals for monitoring air pollution related diseases within each state or union territory for effective response and monitoring.
It outlines strategies for health departments and health facilities to better prepare for the impacts of air pollution, including raising public awareness through targeted messaging in regional languages across various media channels, and providing information on health issues related to air pollution. The issues include educating health workers on the issues and actively monitoring air pollution-related diseases through sentinel monitoring systems under the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH).
The advisory also highlights the increased risk of air pollution for sensitive populations such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions and workers exposed to pollution. Air quality has deteriorated in many cities, including Mumbai, Delhi and areas of northern India, reaching severe levels. Deteriorating air quality has raised concerns over various health risks.
