The Bhutanese Leading the way.
The two Medical camp Kits (MCKs), which was handed over to the health ministry by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 19th October will be stationed in the eastern district hospitals as a part of the health sector emergency preparedness project jointly supported by European Union and WHO.
MCKs are temporary health facility structures to ensure continuity of primary healthcare services until damaged health facilities are restored in the case of major emergencies. The facility is designed by WHO South-East Asia Region to provide in-patient and out-patient services with the provisions for male and female wards, as well as for staff and consultation rooms. The design is of solar-powered containing water and sanitation facilities, and can be assembled within 24 hours.
Considering the power fluctuation and uncertain disasters the health secretary, Dr. Ugen Dophu, said the facility will allow continued service even when facilities are severely damaged. He said that Bhutan is classified in zone 4 and is prone to disaster, particularly earthquakes.
The two MCKs supplement three MCKs that were already handed over in the past year, which are stationed in the referral hospitals of Bhutan. It was handed over by Dr. Rui Paulo do Jesus, WHO representative, to the health secretary.
The facility includes procurement of materials, assessment of hospital services and hospital building structures, development of emergency plans and guidelines and building of in-country capacity on emergency preparedness and response.
