New Health Draft Bills

Saptaparni Raha
Aug 27, 2022
2 min read

Written by Saptaparni Raha, Lawyer

Introduction:

The Government of India introduced a new National Public Health Bill, which will have various provisions, including the institution of a four-tier health administration system with certain powers to set up public health care as well as a defining a lockdown. Started by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and other concerned departments of the Central Government, it is expected to be introduced in the coming days of this year.

What is New National Public Health Law?

The work of the National Public Health Act was started in 2017. Once enacted, this act would replace the 125 years old Epidemic Diseases Act. It will also cover the public health emergencies caused by natural disasters, bioterrorism, chemical or nuclear attacks, or terrorism.

4-Tier Health Administration System:

4-Tier health administration shall include multisectoral national, state, district, and block-level public health authorities, which would have certain power and functions to deal with public health emergencies.

How this health Administration system would function?

The National Public Health Authority will be headed by the Ministry of Health and chaired by the Health Ministers of the respective state. The next tier shall be led by the District Collectors and Block Medical Officers, along with the medical superintendents who will look after the block units. This administration would be empowered with the power to take measures to prevent non-communicable diseases and other emerging infectious diseases.

Conclusion:

If this act is enforced and implemented in the right way, then all the scientific provisions on surveillance, public health emergencies, disease notification, disasters, and bioterrorism would be dealt with under it. It will help our country to attain the best healthcare to date.

References

Shailaja Tripathi. (2022). New Health Law Draft Bill: 5 things to know about New National Public Health Law. retrieved from https://m.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/amp/new-health-law-draft-bill-5-things-to-know-about-new-national-public-health-law-1648034198-1