PUBLIC HEALTH management. Government initiatives

Talks about public health organization and crisis management for the development of public health and hygiene.

1. PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT B23MB406-UNIT 1

2. UNIT-1 SYLLABUS Definition and meaning of public health - History and Evolution of public health, Features of public health, Scope and importance of public health, Difference between community health, medical care, and clinical medicine, public health, Changing concepts in public health, Healthcare delivery system in India.

3. Public health is a broad and multidisciplinary field that aims to protect and improve the health of people and their communities. Definition of health according to WHO , World Health Organization- health is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition implies that health is not just about the absence of illness but also about the presence of positive factors that enhance our quality of life.

4. Definition of Public health refers to the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life, and promoting health through organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private communities, and individuals. It emphasizes improving the health and well-being of populations by addressing health risks, ensuring access to healthcare, and implementing health policies.

5. Dimensions of Public health encompass various activities and disciplines, such as epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health policy, health education, health promotion, and health services.  The concept of Public health is often confused with community health or health care, but they are not the same with a vast difference between community and public health.

6. MISSION OF PUBLIC HEALTH

7. History and Evolution of Public Health: The discipline of public health was established in Europe after the Industrial Revolution, when rapid urbanization, poor sanitation, and infectious diseases posed serious threats to the population. One of the public health pioneers was John Snow, often regarded as the father of public health for his investigation of the cholera outbreak in London in 1854. He traced the source of the infection to a contaminated water pump and recommended its removal, effectively stopping the epidemic. 

8. Ancient Period : Focus on sanitation and hygiene (e.g., drainage systems in Indus Valley Civilization, Roman aqueducts). Medieval Period : Responses to epidemics such as the plague. Industrial Revolution : Public health gained prominence with efforts to address poor working and living conditions. Modern Era : Growth of scientific understanding of diseases, establishment of global organizations like WHO (1948), and a shift toward preventive care and health equity.

9. Pandemics Influenza 500 million infected worldwide in 1918 Polio Vaccine introduced in 1955; eradication initiative launched in 1988 34 million living with HIV worldwide; 20% decline in new infections since 2001 HIV 11

10. Preparedness for Disaster Response Biologic Warfare Plague used as a weapon of war during the Siege of Kaffa September 2001 Public health surveillance conducted after the 9/11 attacks Hurricane Katrina Emergency services, public health surveillance, and disease treatment provided 12

11. Prevention Through Policy Book of Leviticus The world’s first written health code Tobacco Laws Laws banning smoking in public places Obesity Food labeling and promotion of physical activity 13

12.  Scope of Public Health  Public health has a vast and multidimensional scope, offering many opportunities to impact global well-being. Some of the aspects of the scope of public health are:  Diverse Career Avenues:  Public health professionals can work in various sectors, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare facilities, and research institutions.  Shaping Health Policies:  Public health professionals play a pivotal role in shaping health policies. They influence the development of policies that address current health challenges and contribute to building healthier communities.  Global Impact:  Public health professionals make a difference on an international scale. They work with global health organizations and contribute to initiatives addressing pressing health issues. 

13. Features of Public Health Focuses on Population Health Rather Than Individual Health Public health emphasizes the health of entire communities, populations, or groups rather than treating individual patients. Its goal is to improve health outcomes for large populations by identifying and addressing widespread health issues, such as infectious disease outbreaks, malnutrition, or chronic diseases like diabetes. This population-wide approach helps to maximize the impact of health interventions and policies.

14. 2. Emphasizes Prevention Over Treatment Public health prioritizes preventing diseases and promoting wellness rather than solely focusing on curing illnesses. Strategies like vaccination programs, health education, sanitation, and lifestyle modifications aim to stop diseases before they occur. This proactive approach not only saves lives but also reduces healthcare costs by avoiding expensive treatments and hospitalizations. 3.Relies on Evidence-Based Practices and Research Decisions in public health are guided by rigorous scientific research and evidence. Epidemiological studies, data analytics, and health surveillance systems provide critical information to design interventions, policies, and programs. By relying on data and evidence, public health ensures that resources are used effectively and outcomes are measurable.

15. 4.Involves Intersectoral Collaboration Across Healthcare, Education, and Social Sectors Public health recognizes that health is influenced by various social determinants, such as education, housing, employment, and environment. To address these factors, public health professionals work collaboratively with multiple sectors, including education systems, urban planners, social services, and healthcare providers. This integrated approach ensures that broader societal factors contributing to health are addressed comprehensively. 5.Aims at Reducing Health Inequalities One of the key objectives of public health is to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and resources. It focuses on vulnerable and marginalized populations who often face higher health risks and limited access to care. Efforts are directed at closing gaps in health outcomes caused by factors like socioeconomic status, geography, or ethnicity. Programs like maternal and child health services, vaccination campaigns, and rural healthcare initiatives aim to promote health equity.

16. Fill in the blank with the correct answer . A. groups of people B. individuals Public health aims to provide groups of people with the right to be healthy and live in conditions that support health. Knowledge Check 18

17. Fill in the blank with the correct answer . B. intervention D. prevention A. pandemic C. epidemic or outbreak A(n) epidemic or outbreak is a disease occurrence among a population that is in excess of what is expected for a given time and place. Knowledge Check 19

18. D. Hurricane Katrina B. Influenza Which of the following events in public health history have been pandemics? ( Select all that apply ) A. Siege of Kaffa C. Polio Knowledge Check 20

19. Scope and Importance of Public Health Scope : Disease prevention and control (e.g., vaccination programs). Health promotion (e.g., anti-smoking campaigns). Monitoring and addressing environmental health risks. Managing public health emergencies (e.g., pandemics). Policy development for sustainable healthcare systems. Importance : Improves quality of life and life expectancy. Reduces healthcare costs by focusing on prevention. Enhances productivity through healthier populations. Promotes health equity.

20. Difference Between Community Health, Medical Care, Clinical Medicine, and Public Health Aspect Community Health Medical Care Clinical Medicine Public Health Focus Community-level health issues Individual patient care Diagnosis and treatment of diseases Population health and prevention Approach Preventive and promotive Curative Diagnostic and curative Preventive, promotive, and policy-driven Scope Localized and community-specific Individual-focused Patient-focused Broad, encompassing entire populations Examples Immunization drives, health camps Hospital treatments Surgery, medical prescriptions Pandemic management, health policy making

21. Changing Concepts in Public Health Biomedical Model : Focus on disease diagnosis and treatment. Ecological Model : Emphasis on social, environmental, and economic factors affecting health. Global Health Concept : Focus on worldwide health challenges like pandemics and climate change. Digital Public Health : Use of technology and AI for health surveillance, telemedicine, and data-driven health solutions.

22. Healthcare Delivery System in India Levels of Healthcare: Primary: Sub-centers, Primary Health Centers (PHCs). Secondary: Community Health Centers (CHCs), district hospitals. Tertiary: Specialized hospitals and medical institutions. Key Components : Public Sector: Managed by the government (e.g., Ayushman Bharat). Private Sector: Comprises private hospitals, clinics, and NGOs. Traditional Systems: Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH). Challenges : Unequal access to healthcare services. Shortage of trained healthcare professionals. High out-of-pocket expenditures. Initiatives : National Health Mission (NHM). Universal Immunization Program. Digital Health Mission. .