NDMA Core Group suggests for private public partnership

Bangalore, Apr 27 (UNI) The Core Group of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) today suggested a private public partnership to meet the challenges during disasters and calamities.

The 15 member team of the fifth Core Group headed by Chairman Lt Gen (Dr) J R Bhardwaj, held a day-long meeting on 'Medical Preparedness and Mass Casualties Management' at M S Ramaiah Memorial Hospital here.

Talking to newspersons, College Principal and Core Group member S Kumar said the Centre was ready to provide 50 to 60 beds during emergency and had earmarked Rs 3,000 crore, but the meeting felt that instead of involving private organisations, who were willing to help during the situation, the expenditure could be reduced and the amount should be utilised for better purposes.

''The Core Committee of experts have been evolving a methodical approach on how our level of preparedness and efficiency can surface during periods of natural or man-made disasters'', Dr Kumar added.

The Core Committee consisted of elite people from several walks of life including Army, Air Force, R and D establishments, Scientists who were skilled not only to give situation analysis but also to suggest how to manage chemical and biological warfare.

Dr Kumar said from the Disaster Management Cell in the College, which was established six years ago, group of 30 to 40 students were provided training to manage emergency situations, irrespective of faculty. Even non-medicos, who were keen to serve during the crisis, were also included in the Cell, he added.

He said the government was now looking for not only establishing scientifically evolved process of Disaster Management but gearing up to accept private public partnership in this endeavour as well.

The suggestions of the meeting would be handed over to the Prime Minister in the form of a report which would be utilised for drafting guidelines by NDMA, he added.

UNI