Public Health Emergencies During Disasters—A Strategic Response

Abstract

In recent times disaster management has gained momentum in India, in particular due to the rise in vulnerabilities to disasters. However, concerns have been raised about the efficacy of public health emergency response system in the wake of recent floods, cyclones, earthquakes and the threat of epidemics. Successful and workable plans need to be in place to reduce human suffering, loss of life and to contain the spread of epidemics and dangerous diseases in disaster-affected regions. We cannot forget the age old adage—“A stitch in time saves nine”. Timely and well thought out response with necessary preparedness shall be instrumental to any successful disaster response efforts. Contagious diseases that pose a health risk to people have always existed. The risk just multiplies during these difficult times of disaster occurrence thereby putting additional stress on the public health system. Hence, strategic planning for immediate care in the form of first-aid for the injured; timely evacuation; prioritizing the medical provisioning to those affected/injured based on the assessment of the available resources; making provision for food and safe drinking water in the temporary shelters; enhancing the health services to protect the affected public from the spread of diseases should be a top priority.