GHMC hosts 3-day joint induction training for metropolitan surveillance units
Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) began a three-day joint induction training for metropolitan surveillance units (MSUs) from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Thane on Tuesday. The programme, held at the Dr. MCR Human Resource Development Institute in Jubilee Hills, will conclude on February 5.
GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan opened the session by describing MSUs as frontline protectors of urban public health. He urged staff to ensure quick reporting, verification and effective responses to disease outbreaks in high-risk areas.
Hyderabad MSU strengthens surveillance infrastructure
Karnan listed water-borne diseases like Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases, Cholera and Viral Hepatitis as core surveillance areas. He also named vector-borne illnesses such as Dengue, Chikungunya and Malaria, and flagged food poisoning and zoonotic diseases as emerging threats. These priorities, he said, align with the One Health model that links human, animal and environmental health.
He asked participants to pay special attention to slums, dense neighbourhoods and migrant communities, where infections can spread rapidly.
The Commissioner said the Hyderabad MSU, launched under the Prime Minister – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), is evolving into the country’s main urban surveillance hub. Of 17 sanctioned roles, 14 staff members have joined and the remaining positions will be filled shortly. All new recruits are undergoing orientation.
To support diagnostics, the Institute of Preventive Medicine (IPM) in Narayanaguda now operates with Biosafety Level-II labs. Meanwhile, a Command Control Centre is under construction at Harihara Kala Bhavan to support real-time monitoring and emergency response.
Karnan also showcased Hyderabad’s Vector Borne Disease (VBD) mobile app. The tool tracks dengue cases in real-time, supports GIS mapping, and improves field coordination.
Participants will receive hands-on training on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), focusing on disease reporting via S, P and L forms. The curriculum also includes outbreak investigation, data security, legal protocols, community engagement and risk communication.
He concluded by stressing collaboration across departments—health, water, sanitation, animal husbandry and environment—as vital to public health protection.
Senior officials present at the event included Additional Commissioner Hemanta Keshav Patil, Zonal Commissioner Priyanka Ala, Joint Director Dr. Shubhangi Kulsange, Dr. Pradip Awate, and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Padmaja.