Health requirements for Health Impact Assessment (HIA) in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

• Main Authors: Hassan, Noor Artika, Samsuddin, Niza
• Format: Monograph
• Language: English; English; English
• Published: 2022
• Subjects: R Medicine (General)
• Online Access: http://irep.iium.edu.my/108389/7/PERLANTIKAN%20SEBAGAI%20AHLI%20KUMPULAN%20KERJA%20TEMATIK%20%28TWG%207%29%20PELAN%20TINDAKAN%20KESIHATAN%20ALAM%20SEKITAR%20KEBANGSAAN%20%281%29.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/108389/1/HIA-NEHAP-Latest-21022022.pdf; http://irep.iium.edu.my/108389/8/SURATJ_1.PDF; http://irep.iium.edu.my/108389/; https://enviro2.doe.gov.my/ekmc/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HIA-NEHAP-Latest-21022022.pdf

Health is the state of being free from illness or injury both physical and psychosocial. It refers to the individual as well as to the general population. Public health is a concern of every nation contributes to prosperity and underlies national security. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as 'a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity' (WHO, 1948). Public health impact is the measurable quantum that associate exposure factors and health outcomes. HIA in EIA is a proxy closes to measure public health impact through analysis of health determinants over seamlessly wide health spectrum in particular enveloping both environmental and occupational factors. Although HIA in EIA in this context refers to DOE legal requirements however MOH as the gatekeeper and guardian to health is much aware of legal provisions for occupational health under DOSH. MOH caution over health fragmentation and tunnel vision approach to health. HIA in EIA provide legal and priority in the evaluation of risk by systematic identification of intervention strategies. Prevention is the best strategy to avoid diseases and injuries. The 3 levels of prevention in health encompasses the preventive, curative and rehabilitative aspect, reflecting a wholesome and holistic approach. The main intention when undertaking HIA is to provide information to support decision-making with regards to EIA project proposal report. The potential health impacts of a proposal both beneficial and harmful are put forth and suggestions ways to minimise the harms and maximise the benefits. HIA evaluation offers decision-makers the possibility of changing a proposal to protect and improve health, and to reduce inequities, thereby achieving health gain maximally. This booklet is intended to provide insights into enhancing and improving specifically quality of HIA reports, as well as EIA reports in general. This booklet complement and supplement available formal document namely the Guidance Document On Health Impact Assessment (HIA) In Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) (June 2012) by the DOE. Last but not least it is hoped that this booklet will be useful and stimulate HIA practitioners to submit reports meeting the expectations and altruistic ideals of the MOH.