Government plans to wind down National Polio Surveillance Network centres in India

The Indian government has announced plans to gradually phase out the National Polio Surveillance Network (NPSN) centers, originally established by the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative is part of a broader strategy to integrate polio surveillance activities into the country's general health monitoring systems. While the government asserts that this move will streamline operations and reduce redundancy, it has sparked concerns among public health experts and network staff who fear it might undermine India's hard-won polio-free status. Experts argue that the NPSN has been instrumental in maintaining rigorous surveillance and rapid response capabilities, crucial for preventing any resurgence of polio. They highlight that these centers have not only monitored polio but have also played a vital role in tracking other vaccine-preventable diseases. The transition, they warn, could lead to gaps in data collection and slow down the response to potential outbreaks, jeopardizing years of successful polio eradication efforts. Staff members within the NPSN are also apprehensive about the future of their roles and the continuity of their critical work. As the government plans to absorb the network's functions into existing health systems, there is uncertainty about how effectively these responsibilities will be managed. The health ministry has assured that the integration will be carefully managed to maintain high surveillance standards, but stakeholders are calling for clear plans and assurances to safeguard the nation's public health achievements.

— Authored by Next24 Live