An expert group constituted by NITI Aayog has recommended a new Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA) to deal with the public health crisis, which would create health cadres at national and state levels and also empower public health agencies to take urgent action.The group, headed by Dr Renu Swarup, former secretary at the Department of Biotechnology, was formed in June 2023. On Wednesday, its ‘Future Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response: A Framework for Action’ report was made public.
Key Recommendations
- Importance of First 100 Days: Strategies and countermeasures should be ready within the first 100 days of an outbreak.
- Establishment of Empowered Group: Form an Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) chaired by the Cabinet Secretary for Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response.
- Data Integration: Integrate epidemiological surveillance data with genomic data and develop clinical correlations using hospital and lab data.
- Emergency Fund: Establish a Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response Fund for timely and effective action.
- Finance Packages: Provide need-based finance packages for emergency activities like genomic surveillance, vaccine and diagnostic development, research, and shared infrastructure.
- Regulatory Authority: Strengthen the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation with special powers through legislation.
Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA)
Scope and Purpose
- It addresses a range of issues beyond epidemics, including non-communicable diseases, disasters, and bioterrorism.
- It provides a comprehensive approach to health management, covering prevention, control, and disaster response.
Public Health Cadres
- The Act will establish skilled public health teams at national and state levels.
Emergency Response
- It will empower public health agencies to act urgently.
- A lead agency will be identified to coordinate rapid responses, ensuring all health organizations and departments are prepared and trained.
Public Health Emergency (PHE)
- A public health emergency is a serious situation caused by events like bioterrorism, natural disasters, chemical attacks, or nuclear accidents.
- It has a high risk of causing many deaths, illnesses, or long-term harm to people.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a PHE of International Concern. In response, the Indian government, led by Union Health ministry issued advisories to states and union territories to implement preventive measures and ensure preparedness.
Global Examples
- Similar laws exist in other countries, such as the UK, Canada, and the USA.
- The USA’s Public Health Service Act (1944) and the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (2013) provide a framework for public health services and emergency preparedness.