Key Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PSM) Updates 2022-2025

Staying updated in PSM is absolutely vital, reflecting the evolving landscape of public health challenges and interventions. These **PSM Updates 2022-2025** represent important shifts in policy, strategy, and understanding. Some updates bring positive advancements in disease control and patient care, offering hope for better health outcomes. However, others highlight persistent challenges and the difficult realities still faced in tackling public health issues, reminding us that much work remains.

1. Td vaccine replaced TT: A significant positive update in the immunization schedule is the replacement of the Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccine with the Tetanus and adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine. This change provides crucial protection against diphtheria for adults, addressing a gap in previous schedules and offering broader immunity.
2. PCV booster at 9 months (PCV13 used): The inclusion of a Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) booster dose at 9 months is a welcome step. Utilizing PCV13, this aims to provide enhanced protection against pneumococcal diseases in infants, which are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. This additional layer of defense is a positive development for child health.
3. IPV 3rd dose at 9 months: Another important addition to the immunization schedule is the third dose of Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) administered at 9 months. This strengthens immunity against polio, reinforcing global efforts towards eradication. It’s encouraging to see continued commitment to eliminating this debilitating disease.
4. JENVAC (JE killed vaccine) IM in left thigh, introduced in select states: The introduction of JENVAC, a killed Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine, administered intramuscularly in the left thigh, in select states is a targeted intervention. While positive for the regions where JE is endemic, the limited rollout across all states could be seen as a negative aspect for those in non-endemic areas still potentially at risk or those traveling.
5. Rotavac & JENVAC follow open vial policy (Rotavac multidose vials introduced): Implementing the open vial policy for Rotavac and JENVAC helps minimize vaccine wastage, which is a positive step towards efficient resource utilization. The introduction of multidose vials for Rotavac is particularly beneficial in this regard, reducing the need to discard partially used vials.
6. Zero dose child: No 1st dose pentavalent by 1 year: The term “Zero dose child” specifically refers to a child who has not received even the first dose of the pentavalent vaccine by the age of one year. This highlights a critical failure in reaching vulnerable populations and is a negative indicator for immunization coverage, demanding urgent attention.
7. FIC Plus: All vaccines completed by 1 year: “FIC Plus” denotes a child who has completed all the recommended vaccinations according to the national schedule by their first birthday. This is a highly positive indicator of successful immunization program implementation and is a crucial target for public health efforts.
8. TB Diagnosis: Universal DST by CBNAAT for all patients: A significant advancement in Tuberculosis (TB) control is the policy of universal Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) using Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) for all diagnosed TB patients. This early detection of drug resistance is a positive step towards effective treatment and preventing the spread of resistant strains, although the logistical challenges of universal access can be a negative reality in some areas.
9. Nikshay Poshan Abhiyan: ₹1000/month support to TB patients: The Nikshay Poshan Abhiyan, providing ₹1000 per month as nutritional support to TB patients, is a compassionate and crucial initiative. Addressing malnutrition in TB patients is vital for treatment success and recovery, making this a very positive social support program.
10. BePALM regimen: Bedaquiline + Pretomanid + Linezolid + Moxifloxacin for MDR-TB: The introduction of the BePALM regimen (Bedaquiline + Pretomanid + Linezolid + Moxifloxacin) for Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) offers a new, potentially more effective treatment option for a difficult-to-treat form of the disease. While offering hope, the complexity and potential side effects of such regimens remain challenging, representing a negative aspect.
11. Filariasis MDA now biannual: To accelerate the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, the strategy of Mass Drug Administration (MDA) has been changed to biannual (twice a year) in endemic areas. This intensified approach is a positive move towards achieving elimination targets faster, but requires significant community participation and logistical planning.
12. Triple drug therapy: Ivermectin + DEC + Albendazole to eliminate filariasis: The adoption of triple drug therapy involving Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and Albendazole for filariasis elimination efforts is a powerful tool. This combination aims to be more effective in clearing the parasite and offers renewed hope for eliminating this neglected tropical disease.
13. Liposomal Amphotericin B = DOC for Kala Azar: Liposomal Amphotericin B being the drug of choice (DOC) for Kala Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis) is based on its efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to conventional Amphotericin B. This is a positive standard of care that improves patient outcomes, although the cost and accessibility can sometimes be negative factors.
14. TLD regimen: Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir used in ART & PEP (including pregnant women): The TLD regimen (Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir) has become the preferred first-line treatment for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV, including in pregnant women. This regimen is known for its efficacy, fewer side effects, and convenience, representing a significant positive step in HIV management and prevention, offering hope to many.
15. Early infant HIV diagnosis at 6 weeks by TNA PCR: Diagnosing HIV in infants as early as 6 weeks using Total Nucleic Acid PCR (TNA PCR) allows for prompt initiation of treatment, which is crucial for improving outcomes in HIV-infected babies. This early diagnostic capability is a positive technological advancement saving lives.
16. WPV3 polio virus recently eradicated: The recent global eradication of Wild Polio Virus type 3 (WPV3) is a monumental achievement in public health history. This represents a tremendous positive victory in the fight against polio, leaving only WPV1 remaining in limited pockets.
17. MB leprosy = ≥1 nerve involved: The classification of Multibacillary (MB) leprosy now includes cases with involvement of one or more nerves, regardless of the number of skin patches. This updated definition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment classification, ensuring patients receive the appropriate multidrug therapy. Misclassification could lead to inadequate treatment, a negative outcome.
18. Leprosy treatment packs same; Duration: PB-6 months, MB-12 months: While the composition of the multi-drug therapy (MDT) packs for Paucibacillary (PB) and Multibacillary (MB) leprosy remains the same, adherence to the correct duration (PB-6 months, MB-12 months) is critical for successful treatment and preventing relapse. While the availability of treatment is positive, ensuring patient adherence over these durations can be a challenging, sometimes negative, aspect.
19. PM Matru Vandana Yojana: ₹5000 for 1st child; ₹6000 if 2nd is girl: The PM Matru Vandana Yojana, providing financial assistance of ₹5000 for the first child and ₹6000 if the second child is a girl, is a commendable social support scheme. This initiative aims to improve maternal and child health and incentivize the birth of girl children, representing a positive step towards gender equality and health equity.
20. Syndromic kit 8 (Brown): for anorectal discharge (Cefixime + Doxycycline): The introduction of Syndromic kit 8 (Brown) specifically for managing anorectal discharge provides a standardized treatment protocol. Containing Cefixime and Doxycycline, this kit facilitates prompt and appropriate management of sexually transmitted infections presenting with this syndrome. This ease of access to treatment is a positive aspect.
21. Health & Wellness Centres renamed Ayushmann Aarogya Mandir: The renaming of Health & Wellness Centres to Ayushmann Aarogya Mandir signifies a rebranding and potentially an expansion of services under the Ayushman Bharat initiative. While the name change itself is neutral, it reflects the government’s focus on strengthening primary healthcare, which is a positive long-term goal, though the actual impact on ground needs evaluation.
22. Mid Day Meal → renamed PM-POSHAN under Ministry of Education: The renaming of the Mid Day Meal scheme to PM-POSHAN and bringing it under the Ministry of Education highlights the focus on nutrition alongside education. This program is a crucial intervention for child health and education, a fundamentally positive initiative, though challenges in implementation and quality persist in some areas.
23. Iodine RDA: Adults-140 mcg, Pregnant-220 mcg, Lactation-280 mcg: The updated Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) for Iodine emphasize the increased requirements during pregnancy (220 mcg) and lactation (280 mcg) compared to adults (140 mcg). Adhering to these recommendations is vital for preventing iodine deficiency disorders, a significant public health problem. This clear guidance is a positive contribution to nutritional health.
24. Shakir’s tape: Yellow 11.5–12.5 cm, Green >12.5, Red <11.5 cm: Shakir’s tape, used for assessing Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) in children to determine nutritional status, has specific color-coded ranges. Yellow (11.5–12.5 cm) indicates moderate acute malnutrition, Green (>12.5 cm) indicates normal nutritional status (a positive finding), and Red (<11.5 cm) indicates severe acute malnutrition (a critical, negative finding). This simple tool is invaluable for rapid nutritional screening.
25. Global Hunger Index India: 27.3 (Severe), Rank 105: India’s score of 27.3 on the Global Hunger Index, classified as ‘Severe’, and a rank of 105 is a stark and deeply concerning figure. This is a significant negative indicator reflecting persistent challenges in ensuring food security and adequate nutrition for the population, particularly among vulnerable groups. It underscores the urgent need for more effective interventions to combat hunger and malnutrition.
26. Periconceptional folic acid 400 mcg: start 1 month before pregnancy + 3 months in 1st trimester: The recommendation for periconceptional folic acid supplementation (400 mcg daily) starting at least one month before conception and continuing through the first three months of pregnancy is crucial for preventing neural tube defects in newborns. Promoting this practice is a highly positive preventive measure for congenital anomalies, offering healthier beginnings.
27. Sandfly control: Alpha-cypermethrin 5% (due to DDT resistance): The shift to using Alpha-cypermethrin 5% for sandfly control in areas endemic for Kala Azar is a necessary adaptation due to increasing resistance to DDT. While a positive step in finding effective vector control methods, it also highlights the negative reality of insecticide resistance, a constant challenge in vector-borne disease control.
28. ESI crèches for >50 women workers (previously 30): The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) mandate for establishing crèches now applies to establishments employing more than 50 women workers, an increase from the previous threshold of 30. While providing crèches is a positive step for working mothers and child care, increasing the threshold might be seen as a negative step by some, potentially excluding women in smaller establishments from this benefit.
29. WHO Theme 2025: Healthy beginnings, Hopeful futures: The World Health Organization’s (WHO) theme for 2025, “Healthy beginnings, Hopeful futures,” encapsulates a profoundly positive vision. This theme emphasizes the critical importance of investing in the health and well-being of mothers and children from the earliest stages of life to build a brighter future for all. It serves as an inspiring call to action for global health efforts, aiming for a truly positive impact worldwide.

Making the Most of These PSM Updates 2022-2025 for Revision

Revising these **PSM Updates 2022-2025** effectively requires more than just reading through the list. Try to understand the ‘why’ behind each update. Why was TT replaced by Td? What is the significance of universal DST for TB? How does the triple drug therapy help in filariasis elimination? Connecting the update to its public health rationale will help you remember it better and apply the knowledge in exam questions. While this list is designed for quick revision of **PSM Updates 2022-2025**, consider it a starting point. If a topic seems unfamiliar or particularly important, dedicate a little extra time to review it from your standard PSM resources. Unfortunately, sometimes updates are tested in unexpected ways, so a foundational understanding of the underlying public health principles is always beneficial.

The sheer volume of information in PSM can feel overwhelming, a truly negative aspect of preparing for this subject. However, breaking it down into manageable chunks, like these **PSM Updates 2022-2025**, can make the task less daunting and more achievable. Focus on understanding the core change and its implication. Positive reinforcement from successfully grasping these updates will fuel your confidence. Don’t be discouraged if some updates seem minor; sometimes these details are precisely what differentiate high scores. Embrace the challenge, and approach your revision with determination.

As you prepare for your upcoming exams, incorporating these **PSM Updates 2022-2025** into your study plan is essential. These changes reflect current public health priorities and practices. While staying current can feel like a constant struggle, a necessary negative aspect of medical education, it is also incredibly rewarding to understand how public health is continuously adapting and improving. The positive impact of these updates on community health is the ultimate motivation for mastering them. Use this list as a quick reference, and integrate these points into your broader PSM revision. Success in PSM requires not just knowing the theories but also being aware of the practical, real-world changes happening in public health programs and guidelines. These **PSM Updates 2022-2025** are a tangible representation of that evolution.