WHO Nepal provided technical and financial support to set up the facility which will play a crucial role in delivering a coordinated and well-managed response to COVID-19 in the country.
The Control Room at the COVID-19 Unified Central Hospital is now ready for operation with technical and financial support from the World Health Organization, Nepal. The center will essentially function as a “war room”, leading communication and coordination efforts with COVID-19 designated hospitals in the country, and directing resources, information and people, where necessary.
“The creation of a central command structure at the federal level will help to deliver a timely and well-coordinated COVID-19 response in the country. With support from 13 liaison officers from WHO Nepal stationed at various COVID-19 designated hospitals, we are able to receive real-time data and act upon the needs of the hour,” Dr Jageshwor Gautam, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at the COVID-19 Unified Central Hospital, said.
This is the first time that a uniform channel has been created to govern a group of COVID-19 designated hospitals in Nepal. As one of its first tasks, the center is currently working to conduct a rapid assessment of all COVID-19 designated hospitals in Kathmandu Valley, which will gradually expand to province-level designated COVID-19 hospitals. The assessment will be followed by plans and policies development to address weaknesses and gaps identified in these hospitals. The center will also play a crucial role in ensuring that all hospitals follow standard operating procedures and adhere to treatment protocols by providing regular updates to aid proper case management.
The Unified Central Hospital coordinates with the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) for management and deployment of required infrastructures, medical supplies, and human resource, as per the need of the hospital.
WHO, Country Office for Nepal, provided required technical and financial assistance for setting up the Control Room and has currently deployed an Emergency Health Intervention Officer, an Incident Management Assistant, IT Support and Liaison Officer at the Control Center to ensure effective functioning of the center, along with 13 liaison officers deployed at COVID-19 hospitals within the Kathmandu Valley covering 3 districts (Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur).
On Monday, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, WHO Representative to Nepal, and Dr Jageshwar Gautam, CAO at the Unified Central Hospital, participated in a handover program.
“This is an important achievement not only for dealing with the current pandemic but will also support to strengthen the response to other health emergencies in the future. Coordination and partnership are key to any successful response and the center is a tool to attain that,” said Dr Pandav.