Strengthening Respiratory Health Surveillance in Tamil Nadu: Study Insights

A recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research's National Institute of Epidemiology (ICMR-NIE) has highlighted significant deficiencies in the surveillance of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) in Tamil Nadu. Published in the journal Discover Health Systems, the research evaluated the state's health systems across four districts from 2023 to 2024, involving over 370 stakeholders across 85 healthcare facilities and 23 laboratories. The findings underscore the urgent need for year-round surveillance and enhanced laboratory capacities to improve public health responses to respiratory illnesses.

Currently, Tamil Nadu's surveillance system intensifies only during seasonal outbreaks, despite the continuous circulation of respiratory viruses throughout the year. The study noted that testing is predominantly available in major hospitals, leaving primary and secondary care centers inadequately equipped. Furthermore, while public health centers utilize the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), data entry practices remain inconsistent, and the involvement of private hospitals and labs in the surveillance process is minimal.

Dr. Sameer Bansal, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist at Vaayu Chest and Sleep Specialists and Apollo Hospital, Bangalore, emphasized the importance of establishing a regular notification system for influenza and similar diseases, stating, "There should be notification for influenza and influenza-like disease. If not notification, some kind of a regular survey." He called for the assignment of a nodal officer to oversee data collection and enhance trend tracking and early intervention.

Additionally, Dr. Bansal highlighted the necessity for improved training for healthcare workers at the community level. He noted that awareness of identifying and reporting suspected influenza cases is often lacking, which hinders timely interventions. He advocated for the expansion of point-of-care testing facilities, which can provide rapid results to facilitate quicker responses.

The study advocates for a paradigm shift from seasonal to continuous monitoring, with recommendations for enhancing laboratory capacity and resources across all healthcare levels. It also calls for greater engagement from the private sector to strengthen data collection and response efforts. The report proposes a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health, to improve data-sharing across sectors and ensure a collaborative response to public health threats.

In a parallel discussion, Dr. Tirupathi, Pulmonologist at SIMS Hospital in Chennai, noted that the impact of respiratory infections is contingent upon individual immunity and existing health conditions. He emphasized the need for public health strategies to focus on vulnerable populations, such as children, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health issues, in order to mitigate severe outcomes from infections.

Dr. Tirupathi also stressed the importance of vaccinations as a preventive measure, clarifying that while vaccines do not guarantee complete immunity, they can significantly reduce the severity of infections. He recommended specific vaccines for high-risk groups and urged for increased awareness regarding the role of vaccinations in public health.

As Tamil Nadu prepares for future respiratory outbreaks, experts recommend fostering a culture of vigilance similar to Kerala's proactive response strategies. By improving rapid contact tracing and timely diagnostics, the state can enhance its preparedness for emerging infectious threats. This comprehensive approach to respiratory health surveillance is critical in ensuring the safety and well-being of the population in Tamil Nadu as ecological conditions continue to evolve.

In conclusion, the ICMR-NIE study serves as a crucial call to action for public health authorities in Tamil Nadu to enhance respiratory health systems through year-round surveillance, improved training, and greater collaboration with private entities. The recommendations outlined in the study are essential for creating a robust response framework that can effectively address the challenges posed by respiratory illnesses in the state.