Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP), initiated during 2005–2006, operates through State Surveillance Units (SSUs) and District Surveillance Units (DSUs). The SSU functions at the State level, while DSUs are established in all districts under the Deputy Director of Health Services (DDHS).
The primary objective of the programme is to ensure early identification of disease outbreaks and facilitate prompt public health action to reduce morbidity and prevent mortality.
Early Detection, Early Action
IDSP serves as Tamil Nadu’s surveillance backbone for identifying disease outbreaks, generating early warning signals, and facilitating timely public health interventions to protect communities. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP)
The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been strengthened and upgraded into the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), transitioning from a weekly reporting system to daily, real-time surveillance. IHIP was launched on 1st April 2021, following which all districts commenced regular reporting on the platform.
Health-related events are now reported on a daily basis by both government and private health institutions, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Data entry is carried out through structured formats:
S Form
Captures information on suspected cases and syndromes reported by field health workers.
P Form
Records probable or clinically diagnosed cases entered by Medical Officers.
L Form
Used to document laboratory-confirmed cases.
The vision of IHIP is to serve as a single, integrated digital platform for capturing the entire spectrum of communicable disease events, enabling online generation of laboratory-confirmed data and facilitating the timely detection of Early Warning Signals (EWS) for prompt public health action.
Total Number of Reporting Units
Major Functions
Develop and maintain an efficient mechanism for collection, transport, and laboratory testing of specimens to facilitate swift investigation and confirmation of disease outbreaks within the district.
Continuously review laboratory surveillance data from District Public Health Laboratories (DPHLs) to identify unusual trends or clustering of cases and communicate such findings promptly to the District Surveillance Unit (DSU).
Ensure strict adherence to Bio-Medical Waste Management guidelines across all Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
Strengthen laboratory quality systems through standardized operating procedures and consistent implementation of internal and external quality assurance mechanisms.
Support peripheral laboratories in PHCs and Government Hospitals through capacity building, technical assistance, regular supervision, and performance monitoring.
Undertake Operation Theatre swab testing as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Carry out bacteriological examination of drinking water sources to safeguard public health and prevent outbreaks of Acute Diarrhoeal Diseases (ADD).
Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (VBDC).
Tamil Nadu implements the Vector Borne Disease Control Programme to prevent and control diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and other vectors, including dengue, malaria, chikungunya, lymphatic filariasis, Japanese encephalitis, and Zika surveillance.
Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (VBDCP)
The Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (VBDCP) is an umbrella programme implemented to prevent, control, and progressively eliminate diseases transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes and sandflies.
The programme focuses on reducing morbidity and mortality due to vector-borne diseases through strengthened surveillance, integrated vector management, early diagnosis, and effective case management.
Diseases Covered
Dengue
Malaria
Chikungunya
Lymphatic Filariasis
Japanese Encephalitis
Key Objectives
- Early detection and timely management of vector-borne diseases.
- Reduction of disease transmission through effective vector control measures.
- Prevention of outbreaks and seasonal surges.
- Strengthening surveillance and laboratory support.
- Community awareness and participation in vector control activities.
Key Interventions
1. Surveillance and Early Warning
- Continuous epidemiological and entomological surveillance across all districts.
- Strengthened sentinel surveillance hospitals for early case detection and reporting.
- Integration with IDSP/IHIP for real-time monitoring and outbreak alerts.
- Regular analysis of trends to guide preventive and control measures.
2. Integrated Vector Management (IVM)
- Environmental management and source reduction activities.
- Chemical control measures including larvicides and adulticides, as per guidelines.
- Biological control methods where feasible.
- Monitoring of vector density and breeding indices to assess intervention effectiveness.
3. Case Management and Laboratory Support
- Free diagnosis and treatment for vector-borne diseases at all Government health facilities.
- Strengthening of laboratory services for prompt confirmation of cases.
- Standard treatment protocols followed across all levels of care.
4. Community Participation and Behaviour Change Communication
- Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) campaigns.
- Community mobilization for elimination of mosquito breeding sources.
- School-based and urban local body-led awareness activities.
5. Seasonal Preparedness and Outbreak Response
- Pre-monsoon and monsoon preparedness activities.
- Rapid Response Teams activated during outbreaks.
- Inter-sectoral coordination with local bodies, urban development, water supply, and sanitation departments.