Comprehensive safe hospital framework

Overview

Health facilities, especially hospitals, are critical assets for communities both routinely and especially in response to emergencies, disasters and other crises. Yet hospitals and health workers are often among the major casualties of emergencies, with the result that health services cannot be provided to affected communities when they are most needed. The vast investment in health infrastructure - hospitals can absorb up to 70% of ministry of health budgets - can be lost when poorly constructed hospitals are destroyed or damaged. Hospitals are also important symbols of social well-being. Destruction of or damage to a hospital may result in a loss of trust in local authorities as well as exposing patients and health workers to further vulnerabilities. Acts of violence, including direct attacks, have increased the threats to the security of hospitals, health workers, patients and health services.