The skies over Delhi-NCR were foggy throughout the day on Wednesday.
In view of the growing threat of air pollution in many cities in the country, including capital Delhi, the health ministry has called on state governments to take swift action to avoid its serious health effects. Union Health Minister Punya Salila Srivastava, while issuing the letter, expressed serious concern over the growing health problems in the country due to air pollution.
The letter said that air pollution has caused many serious problems in recent years, with the country’s air quality index often reaching poor to severe levels in winter. As a result, it can lead to chronic diseases that affect the breathing, heart, and brain.
Ministry Guidelines
In a letter dated October 19, Director General of Health Services Atul Goyal called on states to step up public awareness campaigns, strengthen the capacity of health workers and increase surveillance of air pollution-related diseases Systemic participation.
Apart from this, the Federal Ministry of Health also recommended the development of regional and municipal action plans to combat the effects of air pollution. In addition, the Ministry of Health also discussed expanding the hospital network under the NPCCHH to monitor diseases caused by air pollution.
The Ministry of Health recommends being prepared
The Union Health Ministry has issued directives to all states and union territories on the issue, which recommended measures to strengthen existing health systems and spread awareness among vulnerable groups.
The letter states that children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions are particularly affected by air pollution. Therefore, measures to raise awareness among these groups should be prioritized.