Disaster Risks and Preparedness Status of Public Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Date
2024-10
Authors
Andualem Wubetie
Journal Title
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Publisher
Addis Ababa University
Abstract
A disaster is an event that suddenly disturbs the functioning of a community or organization, resulting in human, economic, material, or environmental losses and crises. Disaster response is the actions taken directly before, during, or immediately after a disaster. Hospitals have a vital function and role in the provision of essential medical care for communities during any type of emergency/disaster. Project Management plays a vital role in disaster relief efforts. Disaster management is used to plan and utilize key project management principles and practices.
The objective of this study was to assess the disaster risks and preparedness status of public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The study was conducted from March to April 2024 in Addis Ababa city public hospitals. About 82% of hospitals have a low level of disaster preparedness. The majority (73% of hospitals) were not updated and tested their disaster management plan at least annually. Most hospitals have faced real disasters and the most common was road traffic accidents. Common challenges were a shortage of supplies and resources, coordination problems, space and security problems. From the total seven parameters to assess the disaster preparedness of public hospitals, five parameters were scored as low level. Most of the focal persons for disaster management did not have management training experience. Most (91%) of hospital managers have a low level of support, commitment, and participation in disaster management. The perceived disaster risk of most tertiary-level hospitals is high level.
Key words: Hospital disaster preparedness, project management, public hospitals, Addis Ababa