Govt forms Environmental Health Cells

Srinagar, Apr 4: Government on Monday constituted Committees or Environmental Health Cells for implementation of National Programme for Climate Change and Human Health (NPCCHH)/UT Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health (UTAPCCHH).
A 11-member UT level committee, according to a government order, will be headed by Administrative Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department and its task is to oversee implementation of the UT Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH).
It has been also tasked to monitor the National Health Mission, J&K which will be the implementing agency for UT Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH), the order, a copy of which lies with GNS reads.
It has been also asked to supervise the UT’s Environmental Health Cell which will coordinate for execution of UT Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH).
Similarly District Level Environmental Health Cell have been formed and shall be headed by Deputy Commissioner, the order reads.
Its roles and responsibilities include preparing and implementing District Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health; conduct vulnerability assessment and risk mapping for commonly occurring climate sensitive illnesses in the district; maintain and update district database of illnesses identified in the district; assess needs for health care professionals and conduct sub-district/ CHC level training/ workshop and meetings for capacity building; ensure appointment of contractual staff and engage them in the assigned task of data management under the National Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health (NAPCCHH) and maintaining district level data on physical, financial, epidemiological profile for these illnesses.
A Community Health Centre Level Environmental Health Cell has been formed and will be headed by Medical Superintendent (CHC Hospital).
“The Community Health Centre Level Environment Cell shall facilitate preparation and proper implementation of State Action Plan for Climate Change and Human Health,” the order reads.
Also, Health Facility Level Environmental Health Cell has been constituted and responsibility for implementation shall lie with the Medical Officer (In- charge) of the facility.
“The existing machinery of NHM shall be utilized for the related activities,” it said, adding, “the Rogi Kalyan Samiti (RKS) shall review and monitor implementation at the health facility level”. The ANM, ASHA and Anganwadi workers shall assist in activities related to implementation of action plan at local level, the order added. (GNS)