Public health department

A "public health department" is an organization responsible for protecting and improving the health of a population through initiatives like disease prevention, health promotion, and ensuring access to healthcare services. In English, this translates directly to "public health department," but the specific government body can vary, such as the Public Health Department of Maharashtra (सार्वजनिक आरोग्य विभाग) or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at the national level. 

Key functions of a public health department

Preventing disease: Implementing programs for disease prevention, such as vaccination drives and screening.

Promoting healthy lifestyles: Increasing public awareness about health issues and encouraging healthy choices through education.

Ensuring healthcare access: Providing equitable access to essential healthcare services for all communities, especially vulnerable populations.

Monitoring health: Collecting data on births, deaths, and diseases to understand the health of a population and respond to threats.

Environmental health: Protecting the public from environmental hazards through services like laboratory testing of water and food. 

Examples in India

State Level: The Public Health Department of Maharashtra is an example of a state-level department.

National Level: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) is the national-level body.

Local/Municipal: The Public Health Department of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is a municipal example. 

The Public Health Department of the Government of Maharashtra is a key administrative body responsible for promoting, protecting, and improving the health and well-being of over 13 crore people in the state. The department provides Primary and Secondary Healthcare Services through a comprehensive network of District Hospitals, General Hospitals, Women Hospitals, Sub-district Hospitals, Rural Hospitals. At peripheries, Primary Healthcare Centers and Sub-Centers are established. Additionally, the state also has dedicated Mental Hospitals, TB Hospitals, Leprosy Hospitals and one Ortho Hospital. Two Regional Referral Hospitals (super-specialty) are also available.

The department also has programmes or scheme-specific field offices as below:

Commissionerate of Health Services, National Health Mission

State Health Assurance Society

Employee State Insurance Society

Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Authority (MMGPA)

Maharashtra State AIDS Control Society

State Blood Transfusion Council

The department collaborates with various national and international organizations, NGOs, and local bodies to enhance healthcare access and equity across the state. By focusing on the overall health needs of Maharashtra’s population, the Public Health Department aims to ensure the improvement of public health indicators, reduce morbidity and mortality, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the state.