Strengthening India’s Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response Framework
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a sobering wake-up call, exposing critical vulnerabilities in India’s public health infrastructure and underscoring the urgent need for a more robust and resilient framework to tackle future health crises. In response, the Government of India, through NITI Aayog, has taken a significant step forward by constituting an expert group to develop a comprehensive action plan for pandemic preparedness and emergency response.
The recently released report by the NITI Aayog Expert Group provides a detailed roadmap and blueprint for the country to be better prepared to manage any future public health emergencies, with a specific focus on a 100-day action plan. This comprehensive framework aims to address the key gaps and lessons learned from the COVID-19 experience, drawing on the collective expertise and insights of over 60 national and international experts.
Understanding the Imperative for Proactive Pandemic Preparedness
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on India, with an official death toll exceeding 530,000 and widespread disruptions to daily life, the economy, and education. The country faced unprecedented challenges as the virus rapidly spread, overwhelming healthcare systems and leading to immense loss and suffering.
“Pandemics are likely to emerge more frequently in the coming years,” warned the Expert Group, citing the shifting ecology, climate, and the complex interactions between humans, animals, and plants. The World Health Organization (WHO) has cautioned that 75% of future public health risks are expected to originate from zoonotic sources, stemming from emerging, re-emerging, or novel pathogens.
In fact, between 2009 and 2022, the WHO has already declared six Public Health Emergencies of International Concern, in addition to the COVID-19 pandemic. This alarming trend underscores the need for a proactive and comprehensive approach to pandemic preparedness and emergency response.
Key Recommendations of the NITI Aayog Expert Group
The expert group’s report outlines a Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response (PPER) framework, providing a detailed roadmap and action plan for responding to public health emergencies within 100 days. The recommendations are structured around four key pillars:
- Governance and Coordination:
- Propose a new legislation, the “Public Health Emergency Management Act (PHEMA),” to enhance preparedness and response at the central and state levels.
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Establish a Standing Empowered Group of Secretaries (EGoS) for “Pandemic Preparedness and Emergency Response,” chaired by the Cabinet Secretary and co-chaired by the Member of Health, NITI Aayog.
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Surveillance, Data, and Modelling:
- Develop a unified data platform to integrate existing portals and improve data sharing and analysis, leveraging the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
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Enhance the surveillance system through a One Health approach, integrating public and private sectors, and implementing community-based monitoring, real-time tracking using AI, and a Regional Surveillance Network for transboundary pathogen tracking.
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Research, Development, and Innovation:
- Establish an Epidemiology Forecasting and Modelling Network for improved prediction models, supported by an innovation fund for pandemic preparedness.
- Create a Vaccine Science & Development Institute, launch a National Mission on Therapeutics, and develop a network of Centres of Excellence for research on priority pathogens.
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Set up a new regulatory system to work with global counterparts for faster approval processes and stronger expert committees.
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Communication, Partnerships, and Global Cooperation:
- Establish a Risk Communication Unit at the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to manage public trust, misinformation, and partner with UNICEF and social science groups.
- Encourage data, sample, and funding sharing agreements, and strengthen partnerships between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the NCDC.
- Build international connections for information sharing, technology transfer, and promote South-South cooperation, in addition to collaborating with the WHO and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Learning from Global Best Practices
The recommendations put forth by the NITI Aayog Expert Group align with the approaches taken by other countries in strengthening their public health emergency management frameworks. For instance, the United States has the Public Health Service Act (1944) and the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act (2013), which provide a legal foundation for federal public health services and pandemic preparedness.
Similarly, the United Kingdom’s Public Health (Control of Disease) Act (1984) and Australia’s Biosecurity Act (2015) establish comprehensive frameworks for managing infectious disease outbreaks and biosecurity threats, respectively. These examples highlight the importance of having robust legislation and governance structures in place to coordinate a rapid and effective response during public health emergencies.
The Road Ahead: Towards a Resilient and Prepared India
The NITI Aayog Expert Group’s report marks a significant step forward in India’s efforts to strengthen its pandemic preparedness and emergency response capabilities. By addressing the critical gaps and lessons learned from the COVID-19 experience, the proposed framework aims to position the country for a more resilient and proactive approach to future health crises.
As the world navigates an increasingly complex and unpredictable public health landscape, the implementation of this action plan will be crucial in safeguarding the well-being of the Indian population and mitigating the devastating socio-economic impacts of pandemics. The recommendations outlined in the report provide a comprehensive and well-thought-out roadmap for enhancing India’s pandemic preparedness, from strengthening governance and coordination to driving innovation and fostering global collaboration.
To learn more about the NITI Aayog Expert Group’s recommendations and their potential impact on India’s development, visit the Joint Action for Water website, a leading platform dedicated to promoting sustainable water and sanitation solutions, community engagement, and advocacy.
