Publication: Responding to a Hazardous Materials Incident in Nepal
Date
2025
Authors
Article Type
Viewpoint
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
JNMA Print ISSN: 0028-2715; Online ISSN: 1815-672X
Volume Title
Pages
Pages: 375 - 378
Publisher
Nepal Medical Association
Abstract
Abstract
Paper talks about hazardous materials incidents in Nepal that threaten health, safety and the environment. Rapid urbanisation and industrial growth have made chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear emergencies more likely, but there is still not a clear national plan or complete chemical inventory, leaving the health sector unprepared. Emergency responders rely on the Emergency Response Guidebook and the Wireless Information System for Emergency Responders, but many are not aware of these tools or trained to use them. The Nepalese Army has a dedicated chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear platoon, yet hospitals still lack decontamination protocols, equipment and trained staff. Coordination between agencies is weak, resources are limited and exercises are rare. It feels like the pieces do not fit together. We suggest developing national guidelines aligned with international standards, forming dedicated response teams, running regular training sessions and including chemical incident plans in hospital disaster plans to improve preparedness .
Description
Naveen Phuyal
Nepalese Army Institution of Health Sciences, Sanobharayang, Kathmandu, Nepal
Ashis Shrestha
Keywords
Identifier
https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.9029