Yogesh K Porwar
A state-of-the-art ‘Health Emergency Operations Centre (HEOC)’,geared to deal with public health emergencies and disasters in the most effective manner,was inaugurated in Bengaluru by Dinesh Gundu Rao Health Minister.
Set up at the Arogya Soudha in Bengaluru,this centre is a significant milestone in strengthening the public health infrastructure of the state.
Background and Objective:
India is a country highly vulnerable to various health emergencies,including infectious diseases and natural disasters.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a robust health system monitoring and rapid response system.
The centre has been set up under the ‘Prime Minister Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission’ (PM-ABHIM) of the Government of India to address these challenges.
It will act as a central control unit for timely decision-making,effective use of resources and real-time information management in emergencies.
Karnataka is one of the first major states in the country to set up and make such a state-of-the-art center operational in Bengaluru’s Arogya Soudha.
Old system and current transformation:
In the previous system,responses were fragmented and there was a lack of real-time information.
But this new HEOC center will provide 24×7 continuous monitoring,allowing for unified communication and rapid resource deployment.
This is a significant step in the transformation from a reactive system to a proactive system.
State-of-the-art facilities:
Located in Bangalore Arogya Soudha,this center is equipped with high-quality video wall,video conferencing system,data server,network system and real-time dashboards.
All the technological facilities required for emergency call management and complete monitoring are provided here.
Coordinated Operations:
The Health Department,along with the State Disaster Management Authority,Police Department,Fire and Emergency Services and District Administrations,have joined hands for the successful operation of this center.
The center will work in four phases namely Watch Mode, Alert Mode,Response Mode and Recovery Mode.This central control center at the state level will be expanded to the district level in the coming days and will be connected through nodal officers in each district.
Overall,this Health Emergency Operations Center will enhance the ability to respond effectively to future health challenges through technology and coordination.
Karnataka has become a model at the national level through this project and has taken a bold step towards a future health security system.
