Una, August 22: A two-day tabletop exercise and mock drill on fire safety and emergency response was successfully conducted at the Regional Hospital Una under the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA)-UNDP Hospital Safety Programme.
The exercise was organised jointly by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Una and Geohazards Society, New Delhi, with the objective of assessing the hospital’s disaster preparedness and emergency response mechanisms.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Una, Ishant Jaswal, said the exercise focused on reviewing the effective implementation of the Hospital Disaster Management Plan and testing the hospital’s capacity for quick decision-making, communication, inter-agency coordination and optimum use of available resources during emergencies.
Medical and non-medical staff, including the Medical Superintendent, Medical Officers, Matron, Chief Pharmacy Officer, Ward Sisters, Staff Nurses and security personnel, actively participated in the two-day exercise. The Police, Home Guards, Fire Services, NGOs, DDMA staff and other stakeholders also took part.
During the mock drill, a fire emergency scenario was simulated inside the hospital premises. The exercise tested the alarm and communication systems, emergency response, patient and staff safety, evacuation procedures, use of firefighting equipment and coordination among different departments.
The exercise highlighted the need for regular fire safety and disaster management drills, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, stronger inter-departmental coordination and periodic review and updating of the Hospital Disaster Management Plan and Standard Operating Procedures.
ADC Ishant Jaswal said such practical exercises are essential for strengthening emergency preparedness at critical healthcare institutions and ensuring the safety of patients and staff while maintaining the continuity of essential health services during disasters.
