Developing framework for epidemiological surveillance in India: Present scenario and the road map Ahead

Abstract

Epidemiological surveillance is a major function of public health. Multiple disease outbreaks have prompted India to proactively respond with prevention and control measures. These actions are based on information from public health surveillance. However, many current systems rely on disease-specific approaches that inhibit efficiency and interoperability. The secondary data were used from the government official websites, MoHFW, IDSP portal. There is an existing integrated disease surveillance project with Central, state, and district surveillance units to detect early warning systems with a focus on some diseases of public health importance in the country. With the increase in economic and political power, the country may play a wider role at the International level. Thus, this review aimed at exploring the current surveillance system of the country with a developing framework for the future and its implications. There is a need for an integrated approach to digital health evidence and prediction. Political will and effective governance, with appropriate health financing and service delivery being pillars of universal health coverage are of utmost importance to be adopted in public health surveillance. There should be the creation of Rapid response teams at various health echelons These teams should be trained centrally with a role in investigating early warning systems and impending outbreaks. These teams should be empowered with materials and infrastructure for effective surveillance mechanisms. The one health approach concept is particularly important in the times of the pandemic and the emergence of emerging and Re-emerging diseases with the threat of potential biological warfare across the globe.