Nepal Healthcare Disaster Readiness: WHO & Pandemic Fund Support Gandaki Hospital Preparedness
21st April 2025, Kathmandu
A two-day workshop in Pokhara has strengthened disaster preparedness in 12 hospitals across Gandaki Province. The Ministry of Health and Population led the event. The World Health Organization and the Pandemic Fund provided technical and financial support.
Nepal Healthcare Disaster Readiness
Health workers from 12 hospitals participate
Health professionals and administrative staff from 12 satellite hospitals joined the training. These hospitals included Burtibang Hospital (Baglung), Provincial Hospital Jomsom (Mustang), Damauli Hospital (Tanahun), Provincial Hospital Putalibazar (Syangja), and Lamjung District Hospital. Others were Provincial Hospital Beni, Provincial Hospital Chame (Manang), Provincial Hospital Kusma (Parbat), Aampipal Hospital (Gorkha), Madhyabindu Provincial Hospital (Nawalpur), Maternity and Child Provincial Hospital (Kaski), and the Provincial General and Infectious Disease Hospital (Kaski).
Hands-on training and planning tools
Participants received training on disaster response planning. They worked under the guidance of expert trainers. Using the Hospital Safety Index Plus App, they created Hospital Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans for their institutions.
Focus on communication and coordination
The workshop also covered emergency communication systems. Participants learned about the Health Emergency Operation Center (HEOC) network. Trainers explained how hub and satellite hospitals coordinate during a crisis. This improved the participants’ understanding of emergency response systems.
Simulated scenarios strengthen readiness
Each hospital team tested its Hospital Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans in a simulated emergency. These tabletop exercises helped identify weak areas. Teams practiced their roles and coordination during mock crises. The simulation brought clarity and built confidence among the staff.
Plans to implement and update regularly
The Ministry confirmed that the developed plans will now be implemented in each hospital. Hospital staff will receive updates and further guidance as needed. Regular revisions will help maintain effectiveness.
Officials highlight the importance of preparation
Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry and chief of the Health Emergency Operation Center, led the closing session. He stressed the importance of early planning. According to him, disaster preparedness is vital for reducing harm and saving lives.
Support from national experts
Other speakers included Khim Bahadur Khadka, Director General of the Provincial Health Directorate. Dr. Bikal Shrestha and Dr. Subash Nyaupane, both from the Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences, served as expert trainers. They encouraged hospitals to apply their plans and remain alert.
Steps toward resilient healthcare
The training marks a major step in building disaster-resilient healthcare. It promotes readiness, coordination, and timely response. With rising risks from climate change, disease outbreaks, and natural disasters, hospitals must stay prepared.
The Ministry aims to extend similar programs to other provinces. This initiative sets a model for improving hospital safety and protecting public health across Nepal.
For more: Nepal Healthcare Disaster Readiness
