Health
International experience shows that in the aftermath of a natural disaster, a transition strategy for restoring and maintaining health care services should be developed while planning for rebuilding a better health care system over the next 5-10 ye...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Brief |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
World Bank, Washington, DC
2012
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2010/12/13338760/health http://hdl.handle.net/10986/10134 |
| Summary: | International experience shows that in
the aftermath of a natural disaster, a transition strategy
for restoring and maintaining health care services should be
developed while planning for rebuilding a better health care
system over the next 5-10 years. A rapid assessment should
be carried out to determine the population profile and the
epidemiological profile. The health needs of the people in
the affected areas should be assessed without delay and
periodically reassessed, with particular attention to
existing and newly emerged vulnerable populations. The needs
identified should be addressed in both the transition and
reconstruction strategies. The transition phase should
prioritize a rapid restoration and revitalization of an
undisrupted supply of essential health care services.
Reconstruction is often better led and coordinated by a
strong national or provincial authority as this improves
implementation effectiveness and equity. The roles and
responsibilities should be clearly designed for different
levels of government, sectors, communities, and individuals.
The Wenchuan earthquake provides an opportunity for health
sector reform in China. First, it is better that
reconstruction address the immediate key issues faced by the
health sector such as health financing to reduce
out-of-pocket expenditures among the affected population;
provide better health insurance coverage and benefits; and
improve leadership of and coordination by the government
were evident during the emergency, ensuring placement of
health care teams and temporary hospitals to cover affected populations. |
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