WHO launches Resilient Health Infrastructure Programme in Sikkim

A Resilient Health Infrastructure Programme was launched in Sikkim in May with a goal to build disaster-resilient infrastructure and enhance capacity-building, risk assessment, and governance for effective disaster management. Under the initiative, staff from hospitals and health facilities in the state are being trained in resilience planning, emergency response, and disaster management.

Kunga Nima Lepcha, Minister of Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department, launched the programme, which is a collaboration between Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and World Health Organization, India. Lepcha emphasized the necessity for establishing robust infrastructure capable of withstanding and minimizing the impact of disasters.

“Sikkim being a hilly state that is vulnerable to various hazards due to its geographical location. These range from earthquakes, landslides, avalanches to hailstorms. This programme will provide knowledge and expertise to Government of Sikkim for building resilient health infrastructure and the capability of the health care system to respond efficiently to disasters. It will also enhance the technical capacities of engineers to build back better,” said Lepcha.

Professor V.K. Sharma, vice chairman, Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority, commended the state efforts in reducing future risks and underlined the significance of the Resilient Health Infrastructure Programme.

WHO is committed to strengthening health system resilience and disaster management at every level in India and the world to promote global health security.
MB Bureau