The three-day exercise was at Cara Lodge, on Quamina Street, Georgetown, where, according to PAHO consultant, Ms. Denise Fraser, the plan was examined to identify its weaknesses and strengths.

Fraser, who was contracted to draft it, said there were a number of important, useful inputs that highlighted the repercussions were health facilities to become victims of disasters.

The international observance, this year, puts the focus on the resilience and safety of health facilities and workers who treat those affected by emergencies.

Fraser pointed out that health centres and staff are critical lifelines for vulnerable people in disasters, treating their injuries, preventing illnesses and caring for their relevant needs.

She said the plan must ensure that a mechanism is implemented in it to mitigate certain vulnerabilities of health care facilities.

Fraser disclosed that her task is still in the initial stage of consultation but is expected to move to the simulation phase of practice and then be finalised for approval.

Dr Teófilo Monterio, Focal Point of PAHO’s Disaster Preparedness Unit, said its approval is key to preventing a repeat of the 2005 occurrences when floods damaged 18 health care facilities, mainly rural centres.

He said, with the plan approved, Guyana would be better able to manage any disaster in the health sector and he alluded to what the timely consultation is themed ‘Enhancing Disaster Management in the Health Sector.’

Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Shamdeo Persaud said, under that theme, the objectives include:

* arriving at consensus on roles and responsibilities of the key stakeholders in disaster management in the health sector;

* arriving at consensus on key actions to be taken to prepare for and respond to priority emergencies or disasters identified;

* devising common formats for disaster assessment reports and situation reports and

* providing opportunity for participants to familiarise themselves with each other and the roles, capacities and needs of their agencies.

In line with those aims, those who participated engaged in group discussions where policy and aims; management, organisation and coordination; priority scenarios; actions and responsibilities; standard formats; mental health impacts of disasters and the implementation of the strategy were discussed. (Vanessa Narine)

Photo in Graphics file: Health team

Captions: The health officials who participated in the three day consultation workshop.