MoHFW rolls out new training modules for chemical emergency preparedness

Chemical emergencies pose a significant and evolving threat to public health, environmental safety, and societal stability, underscoring the need for strengthened national preparedness and response mechanisms. In today’s rapidly growing industrial economy, staying updated and prepared for any such emergencies is of paramount importance.

“As a step towards enhanced preparedness, the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, along with key senior officials from various line ministries, national agencies, experts from private sector, industry and academia, released the modules on Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies on Thursday at Nirman Bhawan, New Delhi,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) said.

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Three specialised training modules have been developed by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India, on the Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies in collaboration with NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) and with technical support from the World Health Organization (WHO India).

The three modules include: Preparedness, Surveillance, and Response for Public Health Management of Chemical Emergencies; Pre-Hospital Management of Chemical Emergencies and Medical Management of Chemical Emergencies.

These modules aim to equip public health professionals, healthcare workers, emergency responders, and policymakers with the necessary knowledge, skills, and operational tools for timely and effective management of chemical incidents.

Strengthening chemical emergency management also supports core capacities under the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005), contributing to both national and global health security.

The launch event brought together officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NDMA, Central government ministries, Central institutions, Academia, the WHO Country Office for India, and other key partners to reaffirm the commitment towards building a “Self-reliant Resilient Nation”.