Develop Resilient Health System

In recent years, climate-resilient health system is gaining a larger public interest. Because health care facilities are grossly vulnerable in rural areas. They have poor infrastructure, limited human resources, poor energy supply, inadequate water and sanitation services. Unfortunately, health policies are broadly silent on how health care facilities can be resilient and responsive to protect and promote health rights of local communities even during disasters or health emergencies. There is limited attention to mitigate health impacts of climate change. But for that to happen, a visionary political leadership is crucial in the local context. 

In a country like ours where we experience heavy rains, floods, landslides, fires and earthquake, building climate-resilient health system is an emerging priority in the context of climate change. However, how we well prepare for these hazards and disasters matters more than ever. We experienced an unfortunate disaster of the Bhotekoshi flash floods which claimed hundreds of lives and destroyed property worth billions of rupees. People and their cultural histories behind these disasters are monumental in their everyday life. A senior citizen in his mid-60s from Syaphrubesi shares his concerns and emotions with a frustrating look, “We lost so many things, including our families. I have nothing left so far. Therefore, I have no hope of building house in my life. The only desire is to survive and access health care in the health facilities. But it is all disrupted.” 

Health facilities 

Another senior citizen in her early 70s says: “I am worried whether I will be able to continue my medications. Because I am suffering from diabetes and hypertension.”  Among others, the physical infrastructures of health posts in Timure and Syaphrubesi were completely destroyed by the floods. The displaced communities are still facing a range of health and livelihood issues, amid immediate relief operations. Likewise, many health facilities were also damaged by the devastating earthquake in 2015. 

Recalling the Bhotekoshi floods, Rojina Dangol, Public Health Officer in Rasuwa worries about the growing health care needs of the displaced communities. She says: “Climate-induced disaster is so huge, we never knew it in such a scale. The health facilities along with other physical infrastructures are completely damaged. Despite coordinated efforts, it has still been difficult for us to provide essential health care services for the displaced communities. Capacity building of health workers and communities is crucial to enhance health resilience during the disaster.”