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Amid deteriorating air quality levels in major Indian cities, the Union Health Ministry has issued a comprehensive health advisory to all states and union territories under the National Program on Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH). The advisory urges states to intensify health preparedness, strengthen surveillance of pollution-related diseases, and initiate coordinated action plans to reduce the public health impacts of air pollution.
Citing Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) air quality index (AQI) data that shows large parts of north India currently in the ‘very poor’ to ‘severe’ category, the health ministry has directed states to closely monitor AQI levels and activate district-level health response mechanisms during high pollution episodes – especially in non-attainment and National Clean Air Program (NCAP) cities.
Focus on health sector preparedness
The advisory, issued by the Ministry’s Climate Change and Human Health Division, outlines a structured response framework for the health sector, including preparedness, monitoring and public health communication.
States and Union Territories have been directed to strengthen health services at all levels – from health and wellness centers (HWCs) to tertiary hospitals – to deal with increased respiratory and cardiovascular complications due to air pollution. The advisory calls on hospitals to ensure availability of oxygen cylinders, nebulizers, ventilators, essential medicines and adequate bed capacity during the peak pollution period (usually from October to February).
The ministry has also recommended setting up specialized chest clinics in community health centres, district hospitals and medical colleges, especially in urban and industrial areas. These clinics aim to provide screening, diagnosis and standard care for patients suffering from cardio-pulmonary conditions related to air pollution.
“Chest clinics will also serve as centers for risk communication, patient counseling and follow-up care through community level health workers like ASHAs and ANMs,” the advisory said.
Monitoring and Data Tracking
In a key directive, states have been asked to strengthen surveillance for pollution-linked diseases. The advisory said each sentinel hospital should report daily cases of respiratory distress, cardiovascular events, or stroke-like symptoms caused by poor air quality.
District nodal officers under NPCCH are to collate and analyze these reports and share the findings with the state and central authorities. The ministry has emphasized the use of digital tools such as Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for real-time data tracking.
“This data-driven approach is important for early detection of air pollution-related disease patterns and evidence-based interventions at the local level,” the advisory said.
Public health advisory and awareness campaign
To help citizens take precautionary measures during high AQI days, the Health Ministry has directed states to issue regular health advisories in coordination with pollution control boards. These advisories are to be disseminated through television, radio, print and digital media, with special focus on high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with pre-existing respiratory or cardiovascular problems.
The ministry has also asked states to launch intensive information, education and communication (IEC) campaigns during critical times such as winter months, weeks after Diwali and stubble burning season. The campaigns are expected to use locally translated materials, social media messages and public platforms such as schools, hospitals and public transport networks.
Special outreach activities – including street plays, painting and quiz competitions and panel discussions – have been encouraged to engage communities and increase public participation in reducing exposure risks.
Coordination and forecast-based action
The advisory underlines the importance of inter-departmental coordination between the health sector and other key departments such as environment, transport, urban development, labor and education. States have been asked to integrate the health advisory with the pollution control measures already being implemented under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and NCAP framework.
The health ministry has also highlighted the role of forecasting tools such as the Air Quality Early Warning System (AQEWS) developed by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM). Authorities have been advised to regularly monitor these forecasts for cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Lucknow to plan timely response and issue public warnings.
Citizens have been encouraged to download CPCB’s ‘Sameer App’ for real-time AQI updates in their cities.
Vulnerable groups and health impacts
The advisory reiterates that children under five years of age, the elderly, pregnant women and outdoor workers such as traffic police, construction workers and roadside vendors are most vulnerable to the risk of air pollution. Short-term exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, coughing and dizziness, or aggravate asthma and bronchitis, while long-term exposure can cause chronic respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer and premature death.
‘The health effects of air pollution are a public health emergency’
A senior health official said the advisory is part of the immediate preventive framework:
“The health effects of air pollution have become a public health emergency. Strengthened surveillance, timely advice and health care system preparedness are critical to protect vulnerable populations.”
The ministry has urged states to finalize district-level health action plans, ensure regular data sharing between health and pollution control authorities and maintain preparedness for emergency response during high pollution episodes.