A16 Humanitarian health care logistics during the Canterbury earthquakes in New Zealand

Abstract

Abstract Background Disasters have become a constant feature of the global landscape that has reached unpredictable intensity in countries around the world including New Zealand which experienced three earthquakes within six months in 2010-2011 with logistical support challenges which is seen as a major and complex component of relief operations and management. Therefore, the enhancement of humanitarian health care logistics is critical to optimize humanitarian relief by better preparation prior to the onset of any disaster. This paper therefore is examining the humanitarian healthcare logistics provided during the 2010-2011 earthquakes in Canterbury region of New Zealand and the lessons in preparing for future as a nation that is prone to disaster. Methods A retrospective review of the various health care logistics management during the Canterbury earthquakes was done via the assessment of files, government data and available literature from 2010 till date while some medical personnel, responders and residents of the region during the earthquakes were interviewed. The data were analysed using uni-variate analysis, the ‘mean score’ method and the regression analysis. Results The research shows that the logistics chain of humanitarian health care supplies for large emergencies like the 2011 earthquakes was not actually in place. The Christchurch hospital and other health institutions are not adequately prepared for responding to disaster of that magnitude but with support of international NGO and institutions and bodies as well as assistance from friendly nations they were able to overcome the challenges within a few days of the disasters unlike many of the developing nations that faced such a challenge. Conclusions This paper ended with recommendations on how the governments in New Zealand, Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Ministry of Health, the hospital management could improve the emergency preparedness and response in New in general and in Canterbury in particular.