Special Training Programs for Emergency Response in Hospitals
Nashik: In preparation for the Simhastha Kumbh Mela (2026-2028), the District Disaster Management Office has announced special training programs for hospitals across Nashik, with a focus on government healthcare facilities. The initiative aims to equip medical institutions to handle potential emergencies during the grand religious gathering.
Collaborations for Enhanced Disaster Preparedness
Resident Deputy Collector Rajendra Wagh stated that the administration is collaborating with the National Institute of Disaster Management and the Yashwantrao Chavan Academy of Development Administration to enhance hospital safety and disaster preparedness.
“This initiative ensures that hospitals are ready to provide the best possible treatment in case of emergencies,” Wagh said.
Triage Training and Emergency Response System
District Disaster Management Officer Srikrishna Deshpande highlighted that hospitals in past events have faced situations requiring immediate patient relocations.
To address this, hospital staff will undergo special training in triage—a process to assess and prioritize patients based on the severity of their condition during mass casualty incidents.
“Given that Simhastha Kumbh falls in the rainy season, we must prepare for epidemics, floods, road accidents, and potential stampedes. Disaster management agencies will help streamline response systems to minimize delays,” Deshpande explained.
Hospital Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades
Recalling past tragedies such as the oxygen leak at Dr. Zakir Hospital in April 2021—which claimed 22 lives—and the infant deaths due to burns at a government hospital in Bhandara, officials emphasized the need for improved hospital safety measures.
“Ensuring the safety of hospital infrastructure is a priority. Over the next two years, we will also carry out necessary infrastructure upgrades to enhance emergency response capabilities,” Deshpande added.
With an expected massive influx of devotees, the Simhastha Kumbh Mela will test the city’s healthcare resilience, making these preparatory steps crucial.
