Deputy Prime Minister of the National Unity Government – Minister of Health, Ramadan Boujanah, made a visit to the city of Tarhuna and the areas afflicted by torrents and floods, with the aim of reviewing the field conditions and assessing the extent of the damage caused by the disaster, in addition to following up on the provision of the necessary health services to the affected citizens.
The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Head of the Medical Supply Service, the Head of the Ambulance and emergency Service, and a number of department directors in the Ministry. The tour included an inspection of health facilities and hospitals in the region,and an assessment of their needs to ensure continuity of health care provision under these extraordinary circumstances.
The Minister also visited the field hospital that was built yesterday in the affected areas, where he was briefed on its work and readiness to provide emergency medical services. He praised the efforts of the medical and administrative teams working in the hospital, stressing the importance of strengthening its capabilities with the necessary equipment, medicines and personnel to face the challenges.
The Minister stressed the commitment of the Ministry of Health to coordinate with the competent authorities to ensure that health support reaches quickly and effectively to all those affected, noting that efforts are continuing to alleviate the suffering of citizens and meet their needs as quickly as possible.
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What are some effective strategies for healthcare providers to respond quickly to health crises following natural disasters?
Interview with Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri, Health Crisis Management Expert
Time.news editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Mansouri. Recently, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health Ramadan boujanah visited Tarhuna to assess the damage from severe flooding. What are the immediate health implications of such natural disasters?
Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: Thank you for having me. Natural disasters like flooding can lead to several urgent health concerns. In Tarhuna, we’re looking at increased risks of waterborne diseases, mental health crises due to trauma, and the disruption of essential health services. It’s crucial to respond quickly to prevent these issues from escalating.
Time.news Editor: During the minister’s visit, he reviewed health facilities and assessed their needs. What specific challenges do healthcare providers face in these situations?
Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: After a disaster, healthcare systems often struggle with limited resources. Facilities can be damaged or overwhelmed, and there’s the added pressure of providing care to a sudden influx of patients. Tracking the availability of medicines, medical personnel, and emergency services becomes critical. The swift establishment of field hospitals, as seen in Tarhuna, is vital for addressing immediate needs.
Time.news editor: The field hospital set up by the Minister showcased a rapid response capability. How important is such preparedness in health crisis management?
dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: Preparedness is essential.Effective crisis management hinges on having emergency systems in place—like field hospitals—to ensure healthcare continuity during disasters. This involves not just physical infrastructure but also trained personnel ready to respond. Investing in emergency medical training for staff can significantly enhance a community’s resilience to these challenges.
Time.news Editor: Minister Boujanah emphasized the commitment to ensure health support reaches those affected. What strategies should governments employ to facilitate this?
Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: Governments must prioritize rapid assessment and response to the needs of affected populations. this includes coordinating with local health authorities,NGOs,and even international bodies for resource deployment.Effective dialog channels should be established to inform affected residents about available services.Public awareness campaigns about hygiene and health practices following flooding are also necessary to protect community health.
Time.news Editor: What long-term implications do disasters like this have on public health infrastructure?
Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: Disasters expose vulnerabilities in health infrastructure and can lead to long-term consequences if not addressed. It’s important for governments to learn from these events and invest in strengthening health systems. This includes enhancing infrastructure, supply chains for medical supplies, and emergency response protocols to ensure communities better cope with future crises.
Time.news Editor: what practical advice can you offer to individuals in disaster-prone areas to prepare for such events?
Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: individuals should create emergency plans that include supplies of food, water, medications, and first aid resources. They should stay informed about emergency protocols in their communities and participate in drills if available. Personal preparedness, combined with strong community networks, can significantly improve resilience when disaster strikes.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights,Dr. Al-Mansouri.Understanding the health impacts and preparedness measures is vital for communities affected by disasters like the recent floods in tarhuna.
Dr. Samira Al-Mansouri: Thank you for having me.Let’s hope that the lessons learned from these experiences lead to better health outcomes and stronger communities in the future.