A Study On Disaster Management Preparedness In Hospital Setting In The State Of Kerala: Assessing Training Initiatives And Operational Readiness

Disasters represent a significant threat to community functioning, placing unprecedented stress on healthcare systems globally and specifically in disaster-prone regions like Kerala. This research evaluates the current state of disaster management preparedness within Kerala’s private hospital sector by assessing training initiatives and operational readiness. Employing a descriptive-analytical design, the study utilized proportional stratified random sampling to collect data from 358 healthcare professionals across Medical Colleges, Specialty hospitals, Multi-specialty hospitals, and Primary Health Centers. The research instrument was statistically validated with a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.988 and a KMO value of 0.959.

Findings reveal a critical deficit in governance and planning, as hospitals lack dedicated Disaster Management Committees and operate without formal budgets or plans. Facilities report low human resource service levels, and analysis confirms hospitals exhibit only low or moderate levels of preparedness. Despite initiating some training, readiness remains insufficient, indicating theoretical awareness doesn't equate to functional competence.

The study concludes that the current healthcare infrastructure is ill-equipped for mass casualty surges. It recommends mandatory regulatory oversight, strategic investment in human resources, and a shift toward Full-Scale Simulations (FSS) and the CSCATTT framework to move beyond didactic learning and ensure synchronous, multidisciplinary collaboration during crises (Sultan, 2024).