Now, even if the hospital building is damaged, health services will not stop

Now, even if hospital buildings become unusable due to disasters like earthquakes, floods, landslides, or pandemics, citizens will no longer be deprived of healthcare services.

This has been made possible after the Ministry of Health and Population approved and implemented the “Guidelines for Alternative Treatment Sites in Emergencies – 2081 (BS)”.

According to the Ministry, the guideline provides a clear framework for immediately operating healthcare services from alternative locations when hospitals themselves are at risk or unable to provide services during disasters.

What is an Alternative Treatment Site?

According to the guideline, from now on, every hospital must mandatorily include the provision of an "Alternative Treatment Site" in their disaster preparedness plans.
Such a site may be an open field, school building, community building, or any structure made available by the local authority. Hospitals are also required to make prior agreements with local governments or private institutions to use such potential sites within their service area.

How Will It Be Operated?

As soon as the hospital is damaged, the Incident Command System will activate the alternative treatment site.
This internationally recognized system is designed to simplify resource and personnel management during disasters, facilitate quick decision-making, and ensure uninterrupted health services.

Once the hospital’s main building becomes usable again, or after three months of establishing the temporary center, the alternative treatment site will be systematically deactivated.

Why Was This Necessary?

According to Dr. Prakash Budhathoki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, past experiences clearly highlighted the need for such a policy.
He said: "During the 2015 earthquake, hospitals themselves were damaged, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were overwhelmed. These experiences taught us that such guidelines are necessary to ensure citizens' right to treatment under any circumstances."

A New Step Toward Ensuring Health Rights

With the implementation of this guideline, approved by Health Minister Pradeep Paudel, healthcare services will not stop even if hospital doors close during a disaster.
As hospitals will identify and prepare alternative treatment centers in advance, the government claims that even during emergencies, health services will continue without interruption.