Medical Readiness in Crisis: A-PAD Sri Lanka’s Collaboration with Balangoda Base Hospital

In May 2024, the Balangoda Divisional Secretariat’s Disaster Management Committee and A-PAD Sri Lanka convened a crucial meeting to address potential challenges during the Southwest monsoon season. This meeting set the stage for a coordinated approach to disaster preparedness, with Balangoda Base Hospital playing a central role. In June 2024, the hospital administration, in collaboration with A-PAD Sri Lanka, took proactive steps to strengthen its emergency preparedness. A key initiative was a meeting between hospital officials, A-PAD representatives, and local pharmacy and private hospital owners to refine and implement ideas for effective emergency operations. A WhatsApp group was created to facilitate real-time communication among all stakeholders during emergencies.

On July 16, 2024, Ms. Izumi Kishikawa, Program Coordinator representing A-PAD Management Office, visited Base Hospital Balangoda. A recent mass food poisoning incident had underscored the hospital’s limitations in handling large-scale emergencies. The discussion highlighted the need for better preparedness, including quick mobilization, on-site triage, and protocols for seeking assistance from nearby hospitals. The role of the private sector in disaster response was explored, and community training in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and emergency first aid was identified as a priority. This engagement underscored A-PAD Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining connections, evaluating progress, and monitoring the implementation of disaster preparedness measures. The organization’s continuous involvement ensures that Balangoda Base Hospital remains at the forefront of disaster response readiness, setting a model for other regional healthcare facilities. These initiatives collectively mark essential steps in enhancing community-wide medical response capabilities, creating a more resilient healthcare system capable of effectively responding to future crises.