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Abstract: The periodicity and intensity of
disaster are on the rise resulting in colossal loss of
development efforts, large number of casualties and huge
economic losses. Management of mass casualty incidences
due to covert attacks involving Chemical, Biological,
Radiological & Nuclear (CBRN) agents or man-made
accidents involving them needs overall preparedness at
all levels including contingency planning. At present,
capacity in terms of adequate skilled manpower, material
logistics and infrastructural facilities at various
levels required for management and mitigation of such
disasters are grossly inadequate. These deficiencies are
likely to get further accentuated when vulnerable
locations are specifically targeted by terrorist groups
using CBRN agents. An analysis of the major disasters in
the recent past reveals the salient gaps in education,
training and capacity development at all levels.
Awareness generation is an another important requirement
at all phases of disaster management cycle.
Pharmacists can contribute in management of CBRN
emergencies both directly and indirectly by
strengthening the capacities and capabilities of various
stakeholders in both health and non-health sectors. The
play a key role in the planning and execution of
pharmaceutical (drugs and medical logistics)
distribution and control as well as drug therapy
management of patients during disasters involving CBRN
Agents. Till now pharmacy professionals have not been
optimally utilised up to their capabilities in
mitigating the overall impact of any mass casualty event
arising out of CBRN incidents. It is imperative to
impart necessary education on techniques, procedures and
skill based training so that the expected roles are
discharged as per spirit of requirement and they should
be empowered by suitable laws to confront disaster
situation involving even the CBRN agents.
Introduction
Disaster means a catastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave
occurrence in any area, arising from natural or human
made causes or by accident or negligence which results
in substantial loss of life or human suffering or damage
to, and destruction of, environment, and is of such a
nature or magnitude as to be beyond the coping capacity
of the community of the affected area. Indian sub
continent has been a theatre of all types of disasters
in past two-and-a-half decades (Figure 1). About 58.6%
of our landmass is susceptible to earthquakes and over
40 million hectares (8%) is prone to floods. Eight
thousand kilometres of coast line is prone to cyclones
and 68% of the country’s geographical area is
susceptible to droughts. With the tropical climate &
unstable landforms, coupled with high population
density, poverty, illiteracy and lack of adequate
infrastructure, India is one of the most disaster prone
developing region to various natural disasters, like
drought, flood, cyclone, earth quake, landslide, forest
fire, hail storm, locust attack etc. Analysis of
vulnerabilities with respect to natural disasters in
India on a 10 point scale puts Pests and Disease
outbreaks, cyclone, drought, earthquake and floods to >
8 category.
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