Disaster management: 4-member team formed

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NOIDA, U.P, India, Republic of (Free-Press-Release.com) December 21, 2011 -- To avert tragedies like the recent inferno at AMRI Hospital, Kolkata, the district health department has formed a four-member team of specialists to tackle emergencies. The department also announced helpline numbers which can be contacted in case of a disaster.

The panel - formed under the guidance of the chief medical superintendent of Ambedkar multi-specialty hospital, Dr Meena Mishra - recently attended a training session in disaster management in Lucknow. The team will train officials in the health department and work in tandem with both public and private hospitals, adopting the guidelines of the department of national relief and rehabilitation and disaster management, said Dr Mishra. The specialists will sensitise their respective team members to be prepared and vigilant at all times.

"In the case of a calamity, the idea is to settle on a list of priorities for government action. One needs to be alert to reduce the quantum of damage. Hence comes the need for such a committee. The team should try to educate as many individuals as possible," said Mishra.

"Having formed the rapid response team, we will direct public/ private hospitals to equip themselves with necessary equipment to tackle natural or manmade disasters," Mishra said.

"A tinge of caution and cooperation from civil society could help the medical department initiate better awareness and action," added Mishra.

Members of the panel have decided to use the district hospital's numbers as helpline numbers which would be active twenty-four hours. People in distress can call 0120-2502023 or 0120-2500268.

Meanwhile, the district hospital has also obtained the long-pending licence for operating a blood bank, which will start functioning from the first week of January 2012. "We plan to hold a blood donation campaign soon after the bank is operational," said a district hospital official.



SOURCE: THE TIMES OF INDIA

AMRI Hospitals     disaster management     tragedy