In a major step to strengthen India’s preparedness for chemical hazards, the Union Health Secretary has launched comprehensive training modules on Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies. The aim is to provide public health professionals and emergency responders with the tools, knowledge, and practical skills needed for swift and effective action during chemical incidents, supporting India’s vision for a resilient and self-reliant nation.
Modules Target National Preparedness
Launched at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi, the program was attended by senior officials, experts from various ministries, national agencies, private sector, academia, and representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO India), emphasizing a whole-of-government approach. Developed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and technical support from WHO India, the initiative demonstrates coordinated action to confront evolving chemical threats.
Three-Pronged Training Approach
The newly introduced framework comprises three specialized modules, each targeting key stages and stakeholders in chemical emergency management:
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Module 1: Preparedness, Surveillance, and Response for Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies—Strengthens early warning, coordination, and rapid response.
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Module 2: Pre-Hospital Management of Chemical Emergencies—Equips first responders and paramedics to handle triage, decontamination, PPE use, and safe evacuation.
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Module 3: Medical Management of Chemical Emergencies—Focuses on in-hospital care, diagnosis, victim management, and healthcare worker safety.
Alignment with Global Health Security: Health Secretary
These modules are aligned with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), ensuring India’s compliance with global standards for managing public health threats, including chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies. The initiative is designed to build capacities nationwide, promote inter-agency coordination, and enhance India’s ability to manage the consequences of chemical disasters quickly and efficiently.
National Commitment and Future Steps
Officials reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a “self-reliant resilient nation.” The modules are expected to serve as a national standard, offering scalable, updatable, and certifiable training resources for professionals, and ensuring accountability and systematic preparedness as industrialization advances across India.
Conclusion
The launch of these training modules marks a milestone in India’s strategic approach to safeguarding public health against chemical hazards. With stakeholders working in concert and robust capacity-building mechanisms in place, India moves closer to a safer, more prepared future.
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Source: PIB
