(A2) Strategies to Recover the Health Care Capacity Post Earthquake in Chile

Abstract

Background

The earthquake that struck Chile on February 27^th, 2010 produced profound damage of hospital services with 4249 bed lost especially in the regions of Maule and Bio. The capacity of the health was critically reduced in ability to assure health access to affected people by the disaster.

Discussion of Interventions

The first strategy to maintain health services was the deployment of 18 field hospitals from Chilean organizations (Army and Air Force), international organizations and foreign governments. This measure allowed for 533 beds and 16 surgical blocks in the first weeks. There were 14 field hospitals until November. Taking into account the beginning of the winter season, the national government set up another sort of strategy to increase the capacity of the health care facilities: § Strengthening of hospitals without damage that were close to the disaster area. These hospitals were used as referral centers. § Purchasing of 708 beds from the private health sector. § Habilitation of free spaces to be used for inpatients. § Increasing the capacity of home care health programs to release beds. § Construction of some small temporary units to admit patients. § Small-scale interventions to repair damages in hospitals. § Extending the work time until 16 hours in the primary health care facilities. § Improving of the efficient of the using of human and physical resources. § Restructuration of the hospital network that allowed adding 300 new beds.

Results

The ministry of health recovered more than 94% of loss beds and 92% of surgical blocks through July. However, it is necessary to identify US$ 2720 million for reconstruction program and to establish a national strategy of safe hospitals in order to reduce the future costs of the recovery of damaged health care facilities. *Based on information from PAHO – Chile.