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This news is actually not a surprise [1]. Ebola epidemic is one such dire situation where possibly the whole world has pooled in their resources. Dire circumstances will always require immediate response, even if at times they may seem somewhat excessive, like that being witnessed in Liberia as per this news, where hospital beds are empty [1]. For all of us, this current reported situation in Liberia is indeed quite heartening [1]. We certainly will like this epidemic of EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) to be stomped out at the earliest, with whatever it takes.
But then prudence lies in being prepared beforehand to face any challenges, rather than going for knee jerk reactions. Perhaps the response time also does matter. Going by the news, we now also know that patients in Sierra Leone are being turned away for lack of beds and trained staff [1]. This surely is a tricky situation, and could lead in perpetrating the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. It is also a time for the world bodies, policy makers, administrators, and scientists, to sit down and explore the best modalities which can cut down on response time and be quick as well as effective, cost effective, and commensurate with the existing as well as the predicted needs.
Possibility of using “mobile hospitals” with light weight, fire and damp proof, easy to assemble and somewhat sturdy pre-fabricated shelters and tentage should be explored. Not alone for Ebola management, perhaps there will be a felt need of such mobile hospitals around the world for help during other epidemics, disasters, multiple casualty incidents, etc, where this can be swiftly air-lifted, carried by road or by boats, camels, mules, yaks, reindeer, etc, These mobile hospitals can be complemented with well motivated and appropriately trained manpower and specialists, including public health specialists, preventive medicine specialists, epidemiologists, etc. Such a “mobile hospital” should be made self-sufficient and self-sustaining in every way possible. It would require lightweight and sturdy instruments, equipments and gadgets, generators, autoclaves and incinerators, pharmacy, laboratory, portable X-ray and ultrasonography units, water bowsers, kitchen, some security, communication network, lightweight vehicles and ambulances that can be used in all terrains. Depending on the role and objective, any other thing that could b required can be added to the list. Now if we had such “mobile hospitals”, they could have been shifted from Liberia to Sierra Leone.
.
We are in the 21st century when we have such good communication networks. Surely all essentials and a capable and well trained and well motivated team can be assembled within say four to six hours. Deployment will not be delayed with proper planning and execution. Maybe in the present scenario when patients are stated to be turned away for want of spare beds in Sierra Leone, the world bodies may like to consider supplementing the efforts by sending in “mobile hospitals” for managing Ebola Virus Disease. At the same time, the world must not fail in appreciating the all out efforts of all those who are facing the brunt in trying to extend humanitarian aid to those inflicted by EBV, and must understand and be sympathetic to the efforts of the UK built treatment centre in Sierra Leone team which seemingly is just being overwhelmed by the number of patients which clearly has exceeded much beyond their expectations. We are sure that the world would be praying that the beds of hospitals of Sierra Leone and elsewhere do turn into being unoccupied as has happened in Liberia, and we join the world in their prayers with all our heart, and for the Ebola epidemic being brought to an end swiftly.
Best regards.
Reference :
1. Sophie Arie. Hospital beds stand empty in Liberia, while patients are turned away in Sierra Leone. BMJ 2014;349:g7590
Competing interests:
The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not reflect any official policy or position of any organization or association.
10 December 2014
Dr (Lt Col) Rajesh Chauhan
Consultant Family Medicine
Dr. Krishna Mohan Agarwal; Dr. Vinay Mohan; Dr. Neha Garg; Dr. Anuj Gaur
Honorary National Professor IMA CGP, INDIA.
Family Healthcare Centre, Sector 6 - B / 154 (HIG), Facing Central Park, Avas Vikas Colony Sikandra, AGRA - 282007. INDIA.
World needs more of "mobile hospitals" for disaster relief and epidemics like Ebola
Dear Editor,
This news is actually not a surprise [1]. Ebola epidemic is one such dire situation where possibly the whole world has pooled in their resources. Dire circumstances will always require immediate response, even if at times they may seem somewhat excessive, like that being witnessed in Liberia as per this news, where hospital beds are empty [1]. For all of us, this current reported situation in Liberia is indeed quite heartening [1]. We certainly will like this epidemic of EVD (Ebola Virus Disease) to be stomped out at the earliest, with whatever it takes.
But then prudence lies in being prepared beforehand to face any challenges, rather than going for knee jerk reactions. Perhaps the response time also does matter. Going by the news, we now also know that patients in Sierra Leone are being turned away for lack of beds and trained staff [1]. This surely is a tricky situation, and could lead in perpetrating the Ebola epidemic in Sierra Leone. It is also a time for the world bodies, policy makers, administrators, and scientists, to sit down and explore the best modalities which can cut down on response time and be quick as well as effective, cost effective, and commensurate with the existing as well as the predicted needs.
Possibility of using “mobile hospitals” with light weight, fire and damp proof, easy to assemble and somewhat sturdy pre-fabricated shelters and tentage should be explored. Not alone for Ebola management, perhaps there will be a felt need of such mobile hospitals around the world for help during other epidemics, disasters, multiple casualty incidents, etc, where this can be swiftly air-lifted, carried by road or by boats, camels, mules, yaks, reindeer, etc, These mobile hospitals can be complemented with well motivated and appropriately trained manpower and specialists, including public health specialists, preventive medicine specialists, epidemiologists, etc. Such a “mobile hospital” should be made self-sufficient and self-sustaining in every way possible. It would require lightweight and sturdy instruments, equipments and gadgets, generators, autoclaves and incinerators, pharmacy, laboratory, portable X-ray and ultrasonography units, water bowsers, kitchen, some security, communication network, lightweight vehicles and ambulances that can be used in all terrains. Depending on the role and objective, any other thing that could b required can be added to the list. Now if we had such “mobile hospitals”, they could have been shifted from Liberia to Sierra Leone.
.
We are in the 21st century when we have such good communication networks. Surely all essentials and a capable and well trained and well motivated team can be assembled within say four to six hours. Deployment will not be delayed with proper planning and execution. Maybe in the present scenario when patients are stated to be turned away for want of spare beds in Sierra Leone, the world bodies may like to consider supplementing the efforts by sending in “mobile hospitals” for managing Ebola Virus Disease. At the same time, the world must not fail in appreciating the all out efforts of all those who are facing the brunt in trying to extend humanitarian aid to those inflicted by EBV, and must understand and be sympathetic to the efforts of the UK built treatment centre in Sierra Leone team which seemingly is just being overwhelmed by the number of patients which clearly has exceeded much beyond their expectations. We are sure that the world would be praying that the beds of hospitals of Sierra Leone and elsewhere do turn into being unoccupied as has happened in Liberia, and we join the world in their prayers with all our heart, and for the Ebola epidemic being brought to an end swiftly.
Best regards.
Reference :
1. Sophie Arie. Hospital beds stand empty in Liberia, while patients are turned away in Sierra Leone. BMJ 2014;349:g7590
Competing interests: The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not reflect any official policy or position of any organization or association.