National Public Health Bill: New health law draft: four-tier system, clearly defined powers

What is the News?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is in the process of releasing the draft of the proposed National Public Health Bill.

What will be the aim of the proposed National Public Health Bill?

The proposed National Public Health bill will replace the 125-year-old Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897. 

It will deal with updated, scientific and comprehensive provisions on surveillance, disease notification and public health emergencies arising from epidemics, disasters and bioterrorism.

What are the key provisions of the proposed National Public Health Bill?

Four Tier Structure: The Bill proposes a four-tier health administration architecture, with “multi-sectoral” national, state, district and block-level public health authorities who will have well-defined powers and functions to deal with public health emergencies.

National Public Health Authority: It is proposed to be headed by the Union Health Ministry. District Collectors will lead the next tier, and block units will be headed by Block Medical Officers or Medical Superintendents. These authorities will have powers to take measures for the prevention of non-communicable diseases and emerging infectious diseases.

Public Health Cadres: The proposed law also provides for the creation of public health cadres at national and state levels.

Definition of Lockdown: The Bill defines a lockdown as a “restriction with certain conditions or complete prohibition of running any form of transport” on roads or inland water. The definition covers “restrictions” on the movement or gathering of persons in any place, whether public or private. It also includes “prohibiting or restricting” the working of factories, plants, mining or construction or offices or Educational institutions or marketplaces.

Public Health Emergency: The bill lays down several situations in which a “public health emergency” can be declared. They include bioterrorism; the appearance of a novel or previously controlled or eradicated infectious agent or biological toxin; a natural disaster; a chemical attack or accidental release of chemicals; a nuclear attack or accident.

Source: This post is based on the article “New health law draft: four-tier system, clearly defined powers” published in Indian Express on 21st Mar 2022.