Initiatives

A State High-Power Committee for Epidemic Control is being constituted under the leadership of the State Health Department to scientifically study the recurring outbreaks of infectious diseases in Kerala during the monsoon and summer seasons and recommend appropriate preventive measures.

The committee will serve as a comprehensive coordinating body, bringing together eminent doctors from the government and private sectors, along with representatives from various allied departments.

The participation of multiple sectors is essential for the effective control of infectious diseases. Therefore, the committee will include representatives from the private healthcare sector, Local Self-Government Department, Food Safety Department, Animal Husbandry Department and other related departments. Along with experts from the government sector, the committee will comprise private-sector doctors, representatives of medical associations, One Health experts, specialists from the Animal Husbandry Department and doctors representing all streams of the AYUSH system.

Key Objectives

1. Epidemic Calendar
Prepare an annual epidemic calendar for Kerala to anticipate seasonal disease outbreaks and ensure timely preventive action.

2. Surveillance and Study
Conduct scientific studies on disease transmission and strengthen early warning and surveillance systems for timely detection of outbreaks.

3. Treatment and Quarantine Protocols
Develop standard treatment and quarantine protocols to be followed during epidemics.

4. Capacity Building
Enhance the preparedness and efficiency of healthcare institutions to manage epidemics effectively and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of OP and IP services.

5. Inter-Departmental Coordination
Implement coordinated preventive measures in collaboration with the Police Department, Food Safety Department, Local Self-Government Department, Animal Husbandry Department and District Administration.

6. Medicine Availability and Procurement
Ensure the timely availability of medicines and essential supplies through KMSCL or approved local procurement mechanisms during emergencies.

7. Communication Strategy
Develop communication strategies to disseminate accurate information about disease outbreaks through the media and maintain regular communication with Local Self-Government Institutions, MLAs and MPs.

8. Rehabilitation and Support
Ensure rehabilitation of affected individuals and provide necessary psychosocial support.

9. Monitoring and Review
Establish effective monitoring and review mechanisms at the state and district levels to assess epidemic prevention activities and ensure accountability.

10. Prevention Guidelines
Submit timely scientific recommendations, guidelines and reports to the government for the prevention and control of epidemics.

Committee Structure

1. State High-Power Committee for Epidemic Control

This will be the apex committee responsible for policy formulation and issuing directions at the state level.

Composition

* Chairman: Dr. S. S. Lal (WHO Consultant)
* Coordinator: Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph (Principal Secretary, Health Department)
* Convener: Dr. Sreejith N. Kumar
* Members: Expert doctors from the government and private sectors, representatives of doctors' associations, doctors from the AYUSH sector, and experts from the Animal Husbandry and Food Safety Departments.

2. State-Level Action Committee

This committee will be responsible for implementing the decisions and directions of the High-Power Committee. The State-Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) will function as part of this committee.

3. District Outbreak Monitoring Unit

A dedicated unit for monitoring, detecting and reporting signs of disease outbreaks at the district level.

4. District-Level Action Committee

This committee will coordinate epidemic prevention and control activities at the district level. Members of the State-Level Rapid Response Team (RRT) will also be part of this committee.

5. Institutional-Level Outbreak Monitoring Committee

This committee will monitor disease outbreaks and oversee preventive measures in each healthcare institution, including hospitals.

Members of the High-Power Committee

State Mission Director, NHM
Director of Health Services
Director of Medical Education
Director, ESI Medical Services
Director, Institute of Advanced Virology, Kerala
Director, Indian Systems of Medicine
Director, Homeopathy
Managing Director, KMSCL
Dr. Biju Soman (Achutha Menon Centre for Health Science Studies)
Dr. Chitra Grace (Global Institute of Public Health)
Dr. R. Aravind, Professor of Infectious Diseases
Dr. M. N. Menon (IMA)
Dr. P. S. Shahjahan (KMCTA)
Dr. T. N. Suresh (KGMOA)
Dr. N. Zulfi
Dr. Altaf A., Professor of Community Medicine

Advisors

Prof. Dr. A. Marthanda Pillai (Padma Shri)
Prof. Dr. V. Ramankutty
Dr. A. S. Anoop Kumar