Together We Stand

[ 72 ] Making hospitals more resilient in Malaysia: a disaster risk reduction programme Ab Samah Norazam, MERCY Malaysia M alaysia recorded its worst floods in 2014 with an impact simulating a tsunami. Almost all resi- dences and belongings were swept away, leaving most victims homeless after their return from the flood evacuation centres. At the end of December 2014 the state of Kelantan, on the east coast of Malaysia, experienced extreme flooding, and health facilities across major towns in the state were heavily affected. The flooding submerged some hospitals and in some places turned hospitals into islands. The extraordinary flood was unexpected and many hospi- tals were inadequately prepared, thus making relief efforts a demanding challenge. The flood situation affected utilities that are vital for health care and patient management, such as power and water supplies, thus affecting overall hospital services. The first wave occurred on 17 December 2014. It impeded the route to Kota Bharu in Bukit Sireh, Keroh and Pulai Chondong for 13 hours but it did not affect the Kuala Krai Hospital. The second wave took place on 22 December 2014 and lasted for eight days. This time it affected the hospital and the rest of the Kuala Krai district. The unusual, complex and unique flooding required more than one response action plan and it affected health services. In response to that, MERCY Malaysia conducted a work- shop called ‘Making hospitals more resilient: My hospital is getting ready!’ at the Kuala Krai Hospital in Kelantan. MERCY Malaysia’s involvement in the disaster risk reduction (DRR) programme began in 2008 for schoolchildren and commu- nities in the flood-prone areas. The programme emphasized the importance of local governments and community involve- ment and their capacity development in disaster preparedness. MERCY Malaysia’s model for the resilient hospital – Gunungsitoli Hospital in Nias, Indonesia Source: MERCY Malaysia T ogether W e S tand