Jaipur: In response to escalating tensions along the Indo-Pakistan border following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Rajasthan health department has launched emergency preparedness measures aimed at countering potential biological warfare threats.
This unprecedented initiative seeks to develop a comprehensive biological emergency action plan for the state.
Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, director of public health for the Rajasthan health department, emphasised the necessity of remaining vigilant against biological threats that could be exploited in warfare and terrorist attacks.
“We are preparing for it and developing a biological emergency action plan for the state,” he said Monday, highlighting the devastating potential of biological agents, akin to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the first time, the health department is formulating a strategy specifically focused on addressing biological emergencies at a time when tension between the two countries is rising.
A draft crisis management plan is currently under preparation, with input being solicited from various govt departments before finalising the details.
In the case of biological warfare, an act of bioterrorism, or any other biological disaster, the role of the health department becomes crucial. To enhance its preparedness, health officials plan to significantly bolster the capabilities of diagnostic laboratories.
This involves strengthening Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHL) and Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) across the state. In order to effectively detect, investigate, prevent and combat biological emergencies, the disease surveillance system will be improved through the establishment of a robust network of laboratories at both the block and district levels.
With Rajasthan’s proximity to Pakistan, the health department has historically implemented measures to prevent the spread of diseases such as polio, which remains a threat given that Pakistan continues to report cases.
Dr Raghuraj Singh, project director for vaccination at the health department, said that during events like the Ajmer Urs, health authorities administer polio drops to pilgrims arriving from Pakistan. “We take these precautions seriously to ensure the safety of our state,” Singh added.
As health officials turn their attention to the looming threat of bioterrorism and biowarfare, experts warn that potential biological agents such as anthrax, plague, smallpox and botulism could lead to significant morbidity and mortality.
To combat this, the health department plans to train doctors and laboratory personnel to recognise and report any unusual trends in diseases that could signal a bioterrorism-related incident.
