Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

Doctors to be trained in disaster management

Thiruvananthapuram: The Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has joined hands with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to implement a State-wide project aimed at equipping the medical community to handle emergencies during natural calamities and other disasters.

Titled Emergency Health Management Programme (EHMP), the project involves training programmes for doctors and health workers. EHMP is part of the disaster risk management programme (DRMP) taken up by the State government to equip local communities, government institutions, local self-government institutions and other stakeholders in disaster mitigation, preparedness and recovery. The first phase of EHMP has already taken off with a district-level training programme for Anganwadi workers in disease surveillance, vector control, water and sanitation, waste management and first aid. Special awareness-cum-training sessions are being organised to curb the spread of epidemics like chikungunya during the monsoon season.

The second phase of EHMP involves a ‘Training of trainers’ course on ‘National Disaster Preparedness for Doctors and Hospitals’ targeting selected doctors across the State. During the course, the doctors will receive training in trauma care, emergency management, mass casualty management, psychological care and preparation of health disaster management plans.

The first batch of doctors will receive a two-day residential training on June 24 and 25 at Thiruvananthapuram. The training for the second batch of doctors is scheduled to be held at Ernakulam on July 3 and 4.

Ajith Chacko, State programme coordinator of DRMP said the course was designed to prepare hospitals and doctors for medical management and support during disasters. “The participating doctors will receive special training to manage a hospital during major disasters. They will be trained to prepare themselves for a major incident, fix priorities and work out the optimal response to a disaster,” he added.

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