New Delhi, October 1, 2024 — In a landmark initiative to enhance emergency response capabilities, the WHO Academy has launched a specialized training program focused on mass casualty preparedness at the AIIMS Trauma Centre this week. This pivotal initiative, known as the WHO Mass Casualty Management (MCM) Course, is designed to equip healthcare professionals with the vital skills necessary to effectively manage emergency units during mass casualty incidents.
The inaugural course commenced on October 1 and will continue until October 5, bringing together medical teams from various branches of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), including AIIMS New Delhi, AIIMS Jodhpur, AIIMS Patna, and AIIMS Jammu. This collaboration underscores a united approach to strengthening healthcare systems across the nation.
Dr. Kamran Farooque, the chief of the JPNTC Trauma Centre, highlighted the critical need for a robust mass casualty management plan, emphasizing its role in ensuring the efficient use of resources while maintaining the safety of both patients and healthcare staff during crises. “Effective mass casualty preparedness is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, especially in the face of natural disasters or conflicts that can result in sudden patient surges,” he stated.
The WHO MCM Course aims to provide participants with comprehensive training in various aspects of emergency management, including triage, resource allocation, and communication strategies during high-pressure scenarios. By developing a systematic approach to mass casualty situations, healthcare professionals can improve their readiness to respond to emergencies effectively.
As the program progresses, the WHO Academy aims to foster a culture of preparedness within the healthcare community, ensuring that teams are well-equipped to handle the complexities of mass casualty incidents. The initiative reflects a commitment to enhancing public health infrastructure and safeguarding the health and safety of communities in times of crisis.
This training initiative comes at a crucial time, as the frequency and impact of natural disasters and conflicts continue to challenge healthcare systems globally. The collaboration among various AIIMS institutions further emphasizes the importance of a unified response strategy in addressing these challenges.
Through this training, the WHO Academy and AIIMS aspire to create a well-prepared workforce capable of managing mass casualty incidents, ultimately contributing to a more resilient healthcare system in India.