Ministry of Health Activates Mechanisms for Flood Disaster Management and Emergency Treatment

Kathmandu. Following the severe flood in the Bhote Koshi, the Ministry of Health and Population has fully activated its mechanisms for disaster management, rescue, and rapid treatment of the injured. According to Ministry spokesperson Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, the Health Emergency Operations Center has been activated, intensifying high-level discussions and coordination with hospitals. Local and central health institutions have been kept on standby, considering potential health complications in the flood-affected areas. An emergency medical team comprising 6 doctors from the National Trauma Center has been formed and dispatched to Tribhuvan International Airport to provide immediate emergency health services in the flood-affected areas. Preparations are underway to send this expert team by air to the affected area in Rasuwa. Currently, two rescued injured individuals are receiving treatment at the District Hospital in Dhunche, Rasuwa, and hospitals near the affected area, including Trishuli Hospital and hospitals in Dhading, have also been alerted for treatment and coordination. Considering the need for further treatment or referral of complex cases after primary treatment at the local level, major hospitals in the Kathmandu Valley have been kept on standby. According to spokesperson Dr. Adhikari, the emergency departments of Bir Hospital, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (Teaching), Civil Hospital, National Trauma Center, and Patan Hospital have been fully set up and alerted. Additionally, other hub hospitals, private hospitals, and medical colleges in the valley have also been kept on 'standby' to provide services at any time. The Ministry has stated that it will maintain continuous contact and coordination with hospitals in the flood-affected areas to ensure rapid treatment of rescued injured individuals in Kathmandu. Although no official information has been received about injured individuals arriving in Kathmandu so far, the Ministry has prioritized health service management to handle the potential pressure as rescue operations are being intensified. The Ministry's strategy is to involve more hospitals in the treatment process if needed.