SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has intensified surveillance of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), with a state-level workshop underway in Srinagar to strengthen early detection, case investigation, data collection and public health response.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the workshop, Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) Dr Nighat Yasmeen said the exercise would focus on identifying disease patterns, analysing data and detecting gaps in immunisation coverage.
“The aim is to identify pockets reporting higher numbers of cases, assess immunity levels and understand where corrective measures are needed,” she said.
Dr Yasmeen said the surveillance programme covers six vaccine-preventable diseases, including measles, rubella and tetanus, and is aimed at identifying vulnerable populations and areas requiring targeted interventions.
She said the surveillance mechanism, earlier carried out with technical support from the World Health Organisation (WHO), is now transitioning to an indigenous system under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
“The transition will take place in phases, beginning at the state level and gradually extending to hospitals and other tiers of the healthcare system. The process is expected to be completed by March 2027,” she said.
Dr Yasmeen said officials were being trained in key aspects of disease surveillance, including identification and reporting of suspected cases, specimen collection, laboratory procedures, data analysis and uploading information to a unified portal.
“The officials are being trained on how to identify cases, collect specimens, analyse data and upload information to the unified portal. Public health experts will use the findings to help shape future policies,” she said.
She said robust surveillance was essential for identifying immunisation gaps and ensuring preventive interventions reached populations most at risk.
Describing the initiative as a major undertaking, Dr Yasmeen said the Health Department was committed to implementing it effectively.
“It is a very big task, but we will do it. The Government of India is very particular about this,” she said.
The initiative is expected to strengthen the health department’s capacity to detect vaccine-preventable diseases early, systematically track cases and use field-level evidence to improve immunisation and disease-control strategies across Jammu and Kashmir. (KNO)
