Abstract:
In the last few decades the rate and intensity of disasters has increased. The research data shows
that disasters result in death of millions of people and damage to structure and infrastructure
including roads, healthcare facilities and schools. In the wake of recent major natural and manmade
disasters, development and implementation of disaster and emergency management plan
for major healthcare facilities at local, national and international level is need of time to increase
preparedness and enhance response capabilities.
The theme of this research is to evaluate the disaster and emergency preparedness and response
capacities of tertiary and secondary healthcare facilities of the developed countries and asses
capabilities of selected tertiary and secondary hospitals in KPK, Pakistan. Findings of the
research and best practices being followed internationally led to the development of response
plan for selected healthcare facilities/hospitals. The data was collected through a questionnaire
which was designed according to World Health Organization (WHO-HOPE) Hospital
Emergency Response checklist. 3 tertiary care hospitals and 12 secondary care hospital/DHQ
hospital of Southern Districts of KPK were selected for this purpose. The results show that
hospitals are lacking in disaster and emergency response capacities. A comprehensive emergency
plan consisting of nine key components developed for selected hospitals. The research finally
concluded with formulation of plans, guidelines and recommendations in order to enhance the
hospital emergency services in selected hospitals.
