Jaipur – In an unprecedented move, the Rajasthan health department is formulating a
comprehensive strategy to tackle biological threats, prompted by heightened tensions with
Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam.
This initiative marks the first time the state is proactively planning for potential biological
warfare or bioterrorism scenarios. Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, Director of Public Health,
stressed the importance of readiness in the face of modern warfare risks. “We are working on
a biological emergency action plan, learning from past global crises like COVID-19,” he said.
A draft crisis management framework is underway, with inputs being gathered from multiple
government agencies. The focus is on upgrading diagnostic infrastructure and enhancing
surveillance networks across Rajasthan.
Plans include bolstering Integrated Public Health Laboratories (IPHLs) and Block Public
Health Units (BPHUs), along with setting up a comprehensive disease monitoring system at
the block and district levels. This network aims to enable early detection and swift response
to any biological incidents.
Given the state’s proximity to the Pakistan border, such preparedness is not new. Preventive
measures, such as administering polio drops to visitors from Pakistan during major events
like the Ajmer Urs, are already in place. Dr Raghuraj Singh, head of the vaccination program,
said, “We have a long-standing commitment to safeguarding public health through vigilant
monitoring.”
The department is also planning training programs for medical and laboratory staff to help
them identify early warning signs of potential bioterrorism-related outbreaks. Experts have
raised concerns about agents like anthrax, plague, smallpox, and botulism—pathogens that
could cause widespread harm if used maliciously.
This renewed focus on biosecurity reflects a broader recognition that modern threats extend
beyond conventional warfare, demanding proactive health planning and inter-agency
coordination.
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