In response to the growing impact of climate change on human health, the Indian Ministry of Health is taking proactive steps to prepare future healthcare professionals. The ministry is considering integrating climate change education into the curriculum for medical students, empowering them to address health hazards arising from climate-related events.
Extreme weather conditions, such as scorching heat waves and heavy rainfall, have become more prevalent in India, leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases. Doctors have observed a connection between extreme weather and the emergence of diseases like COVID-19 and monkeypox.
Currently, many doctors in India lack sufficient knowledge to treat health issues directly or indirectly caused by climate change or natural disasters. To address this gap, the health ministry aims to equip medical students with a basic understanding of climate change and its potential health impacts.
The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has already issued guidelines on treating heatstroke patients. Additionally, NCDC and the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health have developed guidelines for hospitals to categorize deaths related to heat or heatstroke, facilitating evidence-based decision-making.
The government is also working on an action plan at the state level to combat the health effects of climate change. Several states and union territories have submitted draft action plans to the health ministry for approval. These plans outline strategies to mitigate the impact of climate change on public health over the next five years.
The World Health Organization predicts an increase in climate-related deaths globally, primarily due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress. Women, children, and individuals with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to these health risks.
NCDC is closely monitoring vector-borne and zoonotic diseases that could be exacerbated by climate change. The reduction in forest areas is believed to contribute to the rise in zoonotic diseases, potentially leading to the emergence of new viruses.
Public health expert Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan emphasizes the need for doctors to broaden their focus beyond common health conditions and consider diseases caused by climate change. He highlights the importance of understanding the impact of climate change on animal habitats and the subsequent implications for zoonotic diseases.
In conclusion, the inclusion of climate change education in medical curricula is a crucial step towards equipping future healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage health hazards arising from climate-related events, thus safeguarding the well-being of communities in the face of a changing climate.
