WHO urges building of disaster-proof hospitals

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WHO urges building of disaster-proof hospitals AFP Apr 6, 2009

MANILA (AFP) – The World Health Organisation has urged governments across the

globe to build hospitals to withstand earthquakes and other disasters.

The UN agency said it is dedicating this year's World Health Day on Tuesday to

the issue as the number of natural and man-made disasters increases worldwide.

" In disasters and emergencies, health facilities are crucial to survival, " said

Shin Young-soo, the WHO regional director for the Western Pacific region, in a

statement released here.

" Health facilities must be structurally resilient, well equipped and staffed,

and with health workers who are properly trained to respond. "

The WHO said the Western Pacific region was particularly vulnerable to natural

disaster, citing tropical cyclones, floods, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Last year's devastating earthquake in China destroyed or damaged more than half

of Sichuan province's 6,800 hospitals, forcing tens of thousands of people to

seek treatment elsewhere.

Also last year, Typhoon Fengshen damaged or destroyed 89 hospitals and health

facilities in the Philippines, and a 2007 tsunami damaged many hospitals and

health facilities in the Islands, exposing communities to asbestos, the

WHO said.

" Research shows that damage to health facilities can cost up to 60 percent of

annual government health spending, so making facilities safe can sometimes be a

means of actually saving money, " said Shin.

" Political will on the part of governments, leaders and hospital administrators

is an important element in achieving this goal. They can ensure that hospitals

are built in safe locations, that the design and construction of the facilities

are sound and that staff are fully trained. "

http://news./s/afp/20090406/hl_afp/healthasiawhodisaster_20090406050354