India seeks clearer evidence of air pollution's health impact as smog worsens
The health ministry has directed states to strengthen screening and tracking of pollution-linked illnesses through standardised disease coding, regular reporting and follow-up of high-risk patients.
As toxic smog envelops northern India, the health ministry is mandating states and Union territories to intensify monitoring of pollution-related ailments. Hospitals are now mandated to screen patients, employ standardized disease codes, and regularly report cases. Priyanka Sharma, a journalist at Mint, reports that the ministry's directive aims to provide clearer evidence of air pollution's impact on human health amid worsening smog conditions.
With a background in journalism and public health, Sharma has been covering the Union Ministry of Health and the pharmaceutical industry for the past decade. She holds a journalism degree from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and has received specialized training in public health from the Public Health Foundation of India.
Prior to her current role, Sharma worked with India Today, The Pioneer, and ANI, as well as serving as a lead consultant for the National Health Authority.
Written by urgent.news from Live Mint's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
