Need for real-time data on public health

Synopsis: Having access to epidemiological real-time data on public health will help us to fight against the pandemic better by making informed choices.

Background

• The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of data to governments in decision-making.
• However, India lacks real-time data on public health and the provision of health services.
• This necessitates the need for data transparency and data sharing in India to make informed decision-making.
• Hence, India needs to create a charter for standardizing digital health data.

How real-time data on public health can help fight against the Pandemic?

• Firstly, it will help in data analysis and modelling. For instance, the epidemiological concept of flattening the curve and its predictions are results of data analysis and modelling.
  • Epidemiology refers to the study of medicine which deals with the incidence, distribution, and control of diseases.
• Secondly, it allows us to measure our preparedness, and shape our responses to identify, manage, and care for new cases.
• Thirdly, it will help to understand disease pathogenesis and severity. For example, Epidemic outbreak data like case data, medical and treatment data can be used to understand disease pathogenesis and severity.
• Fourthly, it helps us to understand the transmissibility or infectivity of the virus. For example, comparing genome surveillance data with the magnitude of fatalities or recovery will help us to understand the transmissibility or infectivity of the virus.
• Fifthly, it will help in predicting viral evolution and drug-treatment strategies. Surveillance through studying genome sequencing of the virus, along with epidemiological data allows us to identify the evolution of the virus after the rollout of vaccinations.

Challenges in generating real-time data on public health

• One, standardisation of data collection is the biggest challenge due to many operational constraints.
  • Ensuring data availability and quality under operational constraints is critical. This can be addressed by reducing errors and enabling transparency.
• Second, concerns of privacy and security while sharing personal health data.
  • There is a need to build a systemic infrastructure with built-in safeguards. This will provide security and ensure privacy.

Source: The Indian Express