Non-specialists fill entomologist posts in NE India, committee finds
The Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare examined the status of vector-borne diseases (Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya) in North-East India to identify gaps in healthcare infrastructure, surveillance, and treatment protocols. This matters to citizens as it addresses the prevention and management of diseases prevalent in the region.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; citizens of the North-Eastern Region (NER), particularly tribal communities and those in remote areas.
- Committee noted that only the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is provided free of cost in India, despite international availability for other diseases, and recommended indigenous vaccine development for dengue and chikungunya.
- Committee identified a critical shortage of trained entomologists and gaps in laboratory infrastructure, recommending the establishment of a North Eastern Regional Entomology Training Hub and expansion of Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories.
- Committee flagged challenges in real-time disease surveillance due to terrain and weak feedback mechanisms, recommending an NER-specific surveillance bulletin, AI-powered early-warning systems, and mobile applications in vernacular languages.
- Committee observed that cross-border migration and ecological factors like unregulated pig rearing contribute to disease spread, recommending a cross-border coordination mechanism with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Myanmar, and regulation of pig rearing.
- Committee recommended ensuring universal coverage of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and Artemisinin-based Combination Therapy (ACT), and developing a region-specific multi-sectoral strategy.
- Committee noted underreporting in tribal communities due to lack of regular health reporting systems, recommending door-to-door surveillance, strict adherence to the one-ASHA-per-habitation norm, and periodic revision of incentives for ASHA workers.
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Document details
| Official title | Vector-Borne Diseases in North-East India |
| Source body | Parliamentary Standing Committee reports (via PRS Legislative Research) |
| Reference number | vector-borne-diseases-in-north-east-india |
| Status | closed (committee_report) |
| Year | — |
| Closing date | — |
| Documents | 1 |