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NITI Aayog has released an Expert Group report titled ‘Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response —A Framework for Action’.
This report has provided a blueprint for the country to prepare for any future public health emergency or pandemic and have a rapid response system in place. The report highlights the inevitability of new pandemics due to dynamic planetary factors such as climate change, human-animal interactions, and ecological changes.
The Covid-19 pandemic highlighted the vulnerabilities in national and global health systems. Recognizing that it will not be the last pandemic, the report draws attention to the increasing risk of zoonotic diseases.
WHO estimates these will account for 75% of future public health threats. These predictions necessitate a robust and responsive health infrastructure to address infectious diseases early and effectively.
The expert group, formed in June 2023, offers key recommendations based on past challenges and aims to improve India’s capacity to respond within the crucial first 100 days of an outbreak.
Existing laws like the Epidemic Diseases Act (1897) and National Disaster Management Act (2005) were found insufficient during Covid-19. The Epidemic Diseases Act lacks definitions for "dangerous," "contagious," or "infectious" diseases, and doesn’t outline processes for drug/vaccine dissemination or quarantine measures. Similarly, the NDMA does not focus on health-related disasters.
PHEMA would address these gaps and empower central and state governments to effectively manage not only pandemics but also other public health emergencies such as those arising from bioterrorism or non-communicable diseases.
A committee led by the Cabinet Secretary would be established to prepare and monitor public health emergency preparedness during non-crisis periods. The group would focus on governance, finance, R&D, surveillance, and collaborations, as well as develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for pandemic response.
Surveillance systems must be improved, particularly for zoonotic diseases like those caused by bat-related viruses, which have been linked to numerous epidemics in recent history.
National Biosecurity and Biosafety Network: The report recommends a coordinated system of biosafety labs, genome sequencing centers, and research institutions to monitor and respond to biological threats.
Emergency Vaccine Bank: A reserve of vaccines would be maintained for immediate response to emerging threats.
A forecasting and modelling network would be developed to predict disease transmission dynamics and evaluate the effectiveness of countermeasures like vaccines.
Network of Centers of Excellence (CoE) would focus on diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines for priority pathogens as identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
India's clinical trial and regulatory framework must be strengthened for faster access to innovative public health solutions during emergencies. The Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) should be made independent with special powers to ensure its swift response in future health crises.
The report emphasizes the importance of the first 100 days in controlling an outbreak. It outlines a strategy for tracking, testing, treating, and managing outbreaks in this critical window to prevent widespread transmission. The 100-Day Action Plan aims to establish clear roles for agencies, provide adequate resources, and ensure rapid decision-making.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q:Critically analyze the key recommendations of NITI Aayog’s ‘Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response’ report and discuss the significance of early preparedness in managing pandemics. (250 words) |
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