SAPCCHH
About State Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH)
The State Action Plan on Climate Change and Human Health (SAPCCHH) – Maharashtra (2022–2027) is a strategic framework developed by the Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Maharashtra, under the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health. The plan aims to reduce morbidity, mortality, and health risks associated with climate variability and extreme weather events. It focuses on priority climate-sensitive conditions such as heat-related illnesses, air pollution-related diseases, vector- and water-borne diseases, and disaster-related health impacts. The SAPCCHH emphasizes strengthening surveillance, healthcare infrastructure, capacity building, public awareness, research, and interdepartmental coordination to build a climate-resilient and sustainable healthcare system across the state.
Sailent Features of SAPCCHH
The plan identifies major climate-sensitive health conditions prevalent in the state, including heat-related illnesses, air pollution-related diseases, vector-borne diseases (dengue, malaria, chikungunya), water-borne diseases (cholera, acute diarrheal diseases), emerging infections (H1N1, COVID-19, scrub typhus), and disaster-related health impacts. Specific action plans are developed for each priority area to strengthen prevention, surveillance, and response systems.
SAPCCHH emphasizes district-wise climate vulnerability assessment, identifying drought-prone, flood-prone, and cyclone-prone regions. It incorporates exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity indicators to prioritize high-risk districts. Special attention is given to vulnerable populations such as children, elderly, pregnant women, outdoor workers, slum residents, and individuals with chronic diseases.
The plan promotes development of green and climate-resilient healthcare facilities capable of functioning during extreme weather events. It aligns with national guidelines to ensure uninterrupted services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and waste management. Infrastructure strengthening includes establishment of heat stroke treatment rooms and preparedness for disasters.
The plan includes systematic training of state and district officials, medical officers, paramedical staff, and Panchayati Raj Institutions. Training modules cover surveillance, clinical management, preventive strategies, and climate-health linkages. Sensitization workshops are scheduled annually to strengthen preparedness and response capacity.
A five-year IEC strategy is outlined to enhance awareness among communities and health professionals. Activities include posters, radio jingles, TV spots, social media campaigns, public advisories, and observance of environment-health days. Special emphasis is placed on behavior change communication and community participation.
The SAPCCHH ensures convergence with the National Health Mission (NHM), pollution control boards, meteorological departments, disaster management authorities, and local self-governments. It promotes collaboration with research institutions for applied research, evidence generation, and evaluation studies.
The plan recognizes existing evidence gaps and promotes operational research, epidemiological studies, and evaluation mechanisms to strengthen climate-health policy decisions. Research findings are intended to guide adaptive strategies and future updates of the action plan.
