VISION STATEMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
FORMULATED
For the first time in the history
of the country, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has come
out with a comprehensive Vision Statement on Environmental Health
which takes into account the adverse effects of growing hazardous
and bio-medical wastes, radiation and climate change on human
health.
The Statement which
has been prepared after wide consultations with various stakeholders
also deals with strategies and action plans required at various
levels to ensure health for all.
One of the main features
of the statement released here today is that it takes into consideration
the unique problems relating to environmental health in various
areas of the country. It has recommended focused Health Risk Studies,
which bring out the cause-effect relationship in clear terms for
the benefit of policy makers.
On Air Pollution
and its effect on Health, the Statement suggests environmental
health risk assessment studies in different parts of the country
to establish the correlation between manifestations of various
diseases and air pollution.
Dealing with Water
Pollution and its effect on Health, the Statement says, toxic
effluents should not be allowed to be discharged into the water
bodies and emphasis should be made on zero discharge by way of
recycling and reuse.
On the effect of
hazardous and bio-medical waste on Health, The Vision Statement
recommends inventorisation and guidelines for such substances.
The Statement expresses
apprehension that change in climate may pose potential health
risks. It says rise in temperature may lead to increase in vector
borne diseases e.g., malaria, dengue etc.
The Statement suggests
setting up of a National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
with regional centers. It recognizes the need to modify the existing
record and registration systems in the hospitals and nursing homes
by including occupational and environmental history in the treatment
of diseases.
The Vision Statement
will be circulated to all the stakeholders e.g., Ministries and
Departments- both at the Central and State levels.
