Hospital Disaster Preparedness in Center Government Hospital Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

BACKGROUND Based on geographical, geological, hydrological and demographic, Indonesia has a severe impact on the occurrence of disasters, whether caused by natural factors, non- natural factors and human factors. Hospitals are expected to function as a safe environment during disasters, but many become unusable because of structural and nonstructural damage. Making hospitals safe in the event of disasters is a major concern. To facilitate the evaluation process, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed the hospital safety index (HSI) which is an international, useful, and validated tool for standardized assessment and comparison of hospital safety. PURPOSE This study is aimed at assessing the preparedness of Government Hospital in Bandung to response to potential disasters in their surrounding area. The assessment of Hospital Disaster Preparedness using Hospital Safety Index (WHO, 2008), It provides an overview of the probability of a hospital or health facility remaining operational in emergency situations METHODS Bandung was used in a case study setting to assess the readiness and preparedness of the hospital there to face disasters. Hospital Safety Index, key informant interview, and direct observation were used to obtain the data on human resources facilities preparedness, and the procedures. The investigation focused on measuring three elements, i.e. structural, non structural, and functional capacity RESULTS The hospital's current safety levels during and after a disaster are potentially at risk. A lack of functional capacity such as contingency plans and the availability of resources were weaknesses of hospital preparedness CONCLUSION The hospital's current safety levels are such that patients, hospital staff and its ability to function during and after a disaster are potentially at risk. Several aspects is indicated including functional capacity, non-structural element & building structural safety need to be improved to further preparing the health services during a disasters. This should include increasing the number of disaster teams, providing disaster/emergency training for health staff, and developing a comprehensive approach as well as coordination among government, others hospitals, communities, and NGO's for disaster preparedness.