The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has gone through an unrecognized but striking success that needs recognition. Introducing new information from the Union Health Ministry Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) confirms the story we are hearing in new data. For the last seven years, J&K has shown consistent reductions in swine flu (H1N1) infections and deaths.
There is clearly a reduction in H1N1 infections and deaths continuing over seven years, attributable to the systematic efforts over that time period. The decline also indicates a health system that has learned, adapted and strengthened in the event of a persistent public health situation.
The decline in H1N1 infections and deaths indicates several very significant accomplishments.
The IDSP has created a structure whereby possibilities of outbreak can be identified rapidly, while also enabling rapid response measures.
Providers in primary health centres and hospitals are now able to adequately diagnose H1N1 early in the illness, allowing for treatment to start at appropriate times.
The ability for the health system to prepare and act is critically important to breaking the chain of infection, preventing an outbreak.
Access to testing, isolation, and antiviral medications is improved.
A patient diagnosed with swine flu today has markedly better access to quality care than would have been the case a decade ago.
The government’s focus on improving medical resources at the district and sub-district levels has meant that good quality healthcare is not just limited to urban areas, and that a greater share of the population has access to good quality healthcare.
Furthermore, this achievement is supported by an intentional, sustained public education campaign. People are now far better informed of the symptoms of H1N1 infection and of hygiene behaviours, such as handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
This increases in public education has led to more people attending to seek timely medical attention and more people practicing preventable behaviours, leading to a reduction in transmission of the virus.
The downward trending line on the graph of swine flu is ample evidence of the commitment of J&K’s healthcare providers (doctors, nurses, paramedics and sanitation workers) who have repeatedly stepped up to provide care at the front lines.
It also demonstrates the power of partnership between the UT administration and the Central administration to pull together for a shared health agenda.
