Disaster Preparedness

Medical preparedness is an important pre-requisite in disaster management both for natural as well as man-made disasters.

In the recent past, it has been observed that a significant component of the mortality and morbidity in the aftermath of major disasters was due to lack of preparedness at various levels.

This in turn has led to huge socio-economic losses and psychological trauma. Therefore, it is essential to have well trained and informed individuals at the ground levels who can enable both the medical team members, and other volunteers to deliver an effective and efficient response to major disasters.

At DFY,our aim is to enhance disaster resilience of entire South Asia by strengthening medical preparedness, early response capacities and sustainable healthcare in the aftermath of a disaster.

Like many international organizations involved in the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities, DOCTORS FOR YOU has been actively involved in providing emergency assistance to affected populations.

DOCTORS FOR YOU began implementing its key domestic and international projects and programmes by utilizing Total Disaster Risk Management (TDRM) approach. The TDRM approach is in line with the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) (http://www.unisdr.org/we/coordinate/hfa) which was adopted by 168 countries at the 2005 UN World Conference on Disaster Reduction in Kobe, Japan.

The Total Disaster Risk Management (TDRM) Cycle


The HFA outlined five main action points, among them the importance of risk education as an important element to help reduce vulnerabilities.

TDRM applies disaster risk management to all the phases of the disaster management cycle - emergency response, recovery, prevention/mitigation and preparedness/readiness.

DFY's commitment towards TDRM highlights the importance of discovering a clearer understanding and response to disaster management while also addressing the root causes and underlying factors that lead to disasters.

First Phase - Emergency Response
A life-saving phase, its aim is to ensure that an effective response - rescue efforts, fire fighting, emergency medical assistance and an evacuation procedure - is in place when a disaster has taken place. Second Phase – Recovery
This phase involves rehabilitation and disaster-resilient reconstruction efforts as well as appropriate land use planning, industrial rehabilitation planning and livelihood support. Third Phase - Prevention/ Mitigation
This phase focuses on efforts to prevent or mitigate damage when a disaster strikes. Among the activities related to this phase are the utilization of seismic resistant technology for rebuilding or retro-fitting, the construction of dikes, replanting of mangroves, forestation and the construction and operation of meteorological observation systems to help prevent and mitigate damage in the event of an earthquake, flood, landslide or storm. Final Phase – Preparedness/ Readiness

As it is important for any country to be prepared in the event of a disaster, this phase is crucial as it places the importance of hazard maps, food and material stockpiling as well as the preparation of emergency kits, all vital factors that help to minimize the impact of a disaster.

The risk of disasters and its adverse impact can be reduced effectively if balanced attention is placed on all phases of the disaster management cycle.

Emergency Medical Response Team
DFY is involved in building rapid emergency medical response team for the acute early emergency phase of disasters and complex emergencies. The development of the Emergency Response Unit aims at achieving faster and better quality deployment through good planning and preparedness.

Healthcare

DFY began as a registered medical society in 2007, and although the organization is well-known for its emergency relief efforts, our work also includes implementing capacity development projects related to health services well after the onset of any disaster, as well as reaching out to vulnerable communities throughout the year.

Primary Healthcare
DFY is committed to provide the primary health care services to neglected communities within our capacity and reach. Our health centers in rural Bihar and in the Natwar Parikh slum township of Mumbai cater to some of India's least developed and health-accessible areas. At both our health centers, we have a free medication policy, and we provide regular community visits to ensure the continuity of service and follow-ups. DOTS services are also available at our Mumbai center in view of large number of Tuberculosis patients in these slum communities.

Oral health care services
DFY started Sri Sri health and research center in April 2011 for the slum resettlement colonies of MMRDA. The funding for this project was provided by the ART OF LIVING FOUNDATION, Bangalore. Oral health care is costly in Mumbai and unaffordable for the poor slum population. Doctors for You dental clinic provides all basic dental services on highly subsidized rate for the local community.

Reproductive Health
Maternal & child health is an important area of focus for DOCTORS FOR YOU. For pregnant women in vulnerable communities, especially in remote areas, specific needs relating to their health (and the health of their unborn babies) may not be met because of various factors such as a lack of facilities or a lack of skilled staff.

Cancer Prevention and Control

With the changing lifestyle and socioeconomic profile of INDIA, cancers and other life-style related diseases are spreading like an epidemic. DFY is involved in many projects related to cancer prevention and control in association with the TATA Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. At present, our main focus is on the control of Tobacco related morbidity and mortality.