Air Pollution: Health Ministry issues advisory to states

With air pollution becoming a serious health challenge, the health ministry issued an advisory to states asking them to expand the network of sentinel hospitals for air pollution related illnesses surveillance and gear up their preparedness as they anticipate rise in patients in both departments of medicine and pediatric specialties.

The states have been asked to make necessary patient care preparations anticipating an increased attendance in emergencies.

"This would require increased allocation of beds, and stock update on medicines and equipment related to case management," it said.


In a letter to chief secretaries, Sudhansh Pant, Union health secretary said that the health impacts of air pollution are challenging and the issue needs to be addressed.

"Air Pollution accounts not only for acute illnesses but also chronic illnesses of respiratory, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular incidents that result in premature mortality. This is both an urban and rural issue that needs to be addressed," he said.

He said that the consequences are graver for vulnerable population like children, pregnant women, older people, those with pre-existing illnesses, and those exposed due to their occupations such as those involved in traffic policing and municipality work as the Air Quality Index (AQI) is usually reported to reach from poor to severe levels during winter months.

He said that the state health authorities should actively consider to strengthen their health systems and generate awareness about air pollution and its health consequences.

"This time the advisory has added a new section intended for school children, as they are not only vulnerable to air pollution impacts but also as they have a potential as important change agents," Pant added.