To ensure the continuous provision of medical services, particularly during and after disasters, disaster health focal officials from hospitals nationwide will undergo training in health emergency preparedness and response. The first batch, consisting of 32 officials, completed the workshop, which ended today in Gelephu.
Given the country’s susceptibility to disasters and emergencies, it has become crucial for the health ministry to equip officials from 53 healthcare facilities with the necessary knowledge of health emergency preparedness and response.
During the workshops, participants will be sensitised about various health emergency frameworks and tools, undergo skill development for simulation exercises, develop contingency plans, review existing health emergency preparedness and response plans, identify gaps, and develop improvement strategies.
After attending the workshop, participants will be required to facilitate simulation exercises and drills based on the risks and hazards specific to their healthcare facilities.
“The main purpose of carrying out this simulation exercise and drill is to find out their weakness and strength with the current contingency plan they have. So, based on that, we would expect them to review their contingency plan. So, it is very important to test their contingency plan periodically to know that it is functioning, and they are prepared anytime,” said Deki Yangzom, Deputy Chief Programme Officer of the Department of Public Health.
The workshop for the second batch will start on Monday. It is being organised by the health ministry with funding support from the World Health Organization.
Karma Wangdi, Gelephu
Edited by Tshering Zam
