[india-drug] Public Health legislation in India (2)

["manjula datta" <manjulad@yahoo.com>]

Public Health legislation in India (2)
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Dear Dr. Senthil,
   
I apologize for not having replied earlier.  First let me congratulate you on thinking about a public health Legislation. India's Public Health Act was made in 1935 and has not been revised. A copy is available in the DPH office and nowhere else.There are three aspects to Public Health. Preventive Promotive and Curative. Public Health specialists tend to neglect curative care and think that it is enough to give immunization, and that is all. - Well, maybe I am over generalizing (my apologies) but that is how dismal it is.
   
I would like to mention the following for your consideration:
   
1.	Public Health must be based on Sound Epidemiology: But in India, there is not even an attempt to collect data systematically - We need to strengthen out surveillance systems

2.	Health Planning must be based on DATA, and not on expert opinion: We need to learn how to use the data we have.

3.	We need Registries: Rare diseases like intersex, cancers etc and dangerous diseases like MDR-TB should be notifiable.

4.	We need to have guidelines for epidemic response - what to do as well as what to document and how.

5.	We need a disaster management plan.
   
Regarding Intersex, I think we should have the screening and intervention done in childhood. As they grow up, they are subject to an overlay of several problems. Since it is not a problem (sic) in childhood, people do not seek care.
   
These are just some initial thoughts. Maybe we should get some real Public Health Expert to look at what this Legislation should contain.
   
If you would consider it, we at the Department of Epidemiology, Dr. MGR Medical University would be happy to undertake a consultation and come up with a usable document. I am sure that the University would have no objection to the Department undertaking this.
   
I again apologize for this late response - I have been bed ridden with a fractured ankle and only now saw this.
   
  Manjula Datta
  Professor and HOD
  Department of Epidemiology
  The TN Dr. MGR Medical University.
  Chennai  600 032
  Phone: (o) 044-22200713
         (home) 044-24860400
         (Mobile) 98841 52995