Hospital Disaster Management – South Zone Workshop Begins in Andhra Pradesh
Hospital Disaster Management – A two-day South Zone workshop on Hospital Disaster Management Planning has commenced at the South Campus of the National Institute of Disaster Management in Kondapavuluru, Andhra Pradesh. The programme has brought together health and disaster management officials from several southern states to improve hospital readiness during disasters and public health emergencies.
Focus on uninterrupted medical services
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority Executive Director Kausar Bano said hospitals play a central role when communities face floods, accidents, disease outbreaks, or other emergencies. She noted that medical facilities must remain functional even in difficult conditions, making advance planning, safety systems, and emergency response procedures essential.
According to Bano, hospitals need practical plans that help staff manage sudden increases in patients, maintain essential services, protect medical infrastructure, and coordinate with government agencies. She said disaster preparedness in healthcare institutions can reduce disruption and support faster treatment for people in need.
Southern states share preparedness strategies
Delegates from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry are participating in the workshop. The sessions are expected to help officials exchange experiences, review emergency management practices, and develop stronger coordination among health departments and disaster response agencies.
The workshop is designed to support institutions in preparing detailed Hospital Disaster Management Plans that can be used during natural disasters, industrial incidents, mass casualty events, and health-related emergencies. Participants are also discussing ways to improve communication systems, resource management, patient safety, and continuity of care during crisis situations.
Maternal health response receives special attention
A key part of the training is focused on preventing maternal deaths linked to postpartum haemorrhage and eclampsia. These conditions remain major concerns in emergency obstetric care and require quick identification and timely treatment.
The sessions are introducing updated clinical approaches, including the E-MOTIVE bundle, which supports structured action to manage excessive bleeding after childbirth. Participants are also being trained in the use of calibrated drapes, a tool that helps healthcare workers measure blood loss more accurately during delivery.
Another important topic is gestosis scoring, which can help medical teams assess the risk of pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. Early assessment and proper monitoring can support timely intervention and improve outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Support from health and disaster agencies
The workshop is being conducted with support from Swasti and the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India. Their involvement is aimed at linking disaster preparedness with practical maternal healthcare protocols that can be implemented in hospitals across the region.
Bano expressed appreciation to the National Disaster Management Authority for selecting Andhra Pradesh as the focal state for the South Zone programme. She said the initiative would help strengthen institutional capacity and encourage hospitals to adopt better emergency planning systems.
Senior representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, World Health Organization India, and disaster management authorities from southern states attended the opening sessions. The programme is expected to contribute to improved preparedness standards and more coordinated health emergency responses across the region.