The plan is aimed at protecting people against climate- sensitive illnesses including cardio-respiratory diseases, certain types of cancer and allergies.
The 'National Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health' has been drafted by an expert group constituted under the Health Mission of the Prime Minister's Council on Climate Change.
At a regional consultation organised yesterday by the Health Ministry, the health and environment disaster departments, and the meteorological divisions of the north Indian states were asked to frame 'State Action Plans'.
"Some states are prone to drought and floods, while desert and coastal regions have specific illnesses. The aim is to reduce morbidity, mortality, injuries and illnesses caused due to climate change and extreme weather conditions.
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He said that climate-sensitive illnesses have to be identified, listed and prioritised by each state for creating a database and developing a mechanism to combat the health effects of climate change.
"The aim is to have a national policy that would include an integrated early health warning system, state specific emergency response plan, along with increased capacity to provide health care to the most vulnerable and the marginalised populations," Dr Prasad said.
As per the draft action plan, increased frequency and intensity of heat waves, heat-related illnesses, increased precipitation, floods, and drought -- all caused by climate change -- are claiming human lives.
High temperature is known to increase the level of ground-level ozone and climate altering pollutants other than carbon dioxide which exacerbates cardio-respiratory and allergic diseases, and causes certain types of cancer.
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