1. PUBLIC HEALTH CADRE  High Level Expert Group (HLEG) of the Planning Commission has strongly recommended a Public Health Cadre as a specialized public health system management cadre at all levels.  Only Tamil Nadu has a separate Public Health Directorate manned by professional public health managers having own budget and legal support.  Officials of Public Health cadre would be trained in public health planning, priority setting, management, financing, programme implementation, monitoring, supervision and leadership skills.

2.  An expert group has been constituted to provide necessary assistance to state governments in establishing,training and mentoring of Public Health Cadre.  The concept note on creation of Public Health Cadre prepared by the expert group is being shared with the state governments.  The State Governments are advised  To assess the existing structure and work out the proposal for an independent Public Health Cadre as per requirement of the state.  To work out draft policy for creation of a Public Health Cadre and prepare a road map at the earliest.

3. PUBLIC HEALTH LEGISLATION  Existing Public Health Acts at central and state levels need re-look to deal with changing public health priorities.  Presently only Tamil Nadu, Union Territories of Goa, Daman and Diu and Assam have public health legislation.  Many other states are in the process of drafting their own Public Health Act.  States having a separate Public Health Act may like to re-examine the existing provisions for amendments to cover all aspects of public health.

4.  The states not having a separate Public Health Act may like to have an independent public health legislation as per specific requirements of the states.  An expert group has been constituted to assist state governments in drafting a dedicated public health legislation catering to specific requirement of the states.  The concept note prepared by the expert committee is being shared with the state governments.

5.  The State Governments are advised  To assess the existing legal framework and examinethe need for a Public Health Legislation as per requirement of the state.  To work out draft policy for enacting a Public Health Act and prepare a road map.