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Unified disaster management plan sought

DUBAI — With the National Emergency Authority in place, the health sector is stressing on the early need for a National Disaster Management Plan, said a senior health official yesterday.

Talking to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the International Emergency and Catastrophe Management Conference and Exhibition, IECM Dubai 2007 yesterday, Dr Moin Fikree, Consultant Emergency Physician, Clinical Director Accident and Emergency Trauma Centre, said that the emergency authority, which will formulate the disaster plan, has yet to overcome issues like training and communication.

“Dubai is prepared for any kind of disaster, including any war that may expose people to nuclear radiation,” explained Dr Fikree, while explaining the extent of the preparedness.

However, Dr Fikree stressed on the need for a unified disaster plan to be in place.

“Though the realisation is there, there is still a need for a disaster plan,” he added.

About the risk factors, Dr Fikree said, “We have several high-rise buildings (earthquakes can affect), we are located next to water, (tsunami can be expected), while Dubai is also located on crossroads, increasing the risk for a biological SARS. Therefore, we have to be prepared.”

Talking about the patient surge capacity in hospitals Dr Fikree said, “As per the UN perspective, the requirement is from 7-15 per cent which means 450-500 beds, but Dubai’s capacity is much higher.”

He, however, highlighted that there was still a need to train people in disaster medicine as well make an effective communication structure. “Tackling one disaster does not mean that you are ready for the next,” he added.