Aster Prime Hospital, in collaboration with CAHO–SACKON, successfully organized a national-level pre-conference workshop on “Preparedness for Effective Disaster Management” on Friday. The event was held under the guidance of Dr. Hari Kumar Reddy (Patron) and Dr. M.V.N. Suresh (Organizing Chairperson).
Objective of the Workshop
As per the press release, the workshop aimed to equip healthcare professionals and students with essential knowledge. It also provided hands-on skills needed to manage disasters effectively. The sessions highlighted the importance of ensuring patient safety, maintaining coordinated crisis response, and strengthening institutional readiness.
Participation and Engagement
Hospital management students from Mangalore, Coimbatore, and Bangalore actively participated in interactive sessions, gaining practical exposure to real-world healthcare challenges.
Leadership Remarks
Dr. Hari Kumar Reddy, CEO of Aster Prime Hospital and Patron of the workshop, emphasized the critical need for readiness.
“Disaster preparedness is not an option but a necessity for the healthcare sector. Through initiatives like this, we aim to build a culture of readiness, where professionals and future leaders are equipped to respond swiftly, effectively, and collaboratively in times of crisis,” he said.
Expert Insights and Sessions
Keynote speaker Dr. Ramana Rao, Managing Director of GVK EMRI, highlighted the pivotal role of emergency departments, ambulance services, and regular mock drills in disaster preparedness.
Mr. T. Venkanna, District Fire Officer, Hyderabad, spoke about readiness and rapid response strategies, while senior journalist Mr. Rajasekhar Yandrapu underlined the media’s responsibility in crisis communication.
Faculty members from Aster Prime Hospital — Dr. Harshini V, Dr. Praveen Chandra, and Dr. Koushik — shared valuable insights on structured checklists, real-time scenarios, and the importance of the “Golden Hour” in saving lives.
Academic Perspective
Dr. Vijaya Rudraraju, Principal of AIHA and Organizing Chairperson of SACKON, and Dr. Amita Marla, Director of Medical Administration at AJ Hospital & Chairperson of CAHO SEC, shared their perspectives. They highlighted that the workshop offered an exceptional platform for students to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application.
Key Takeaways
The workshop concluded with a strong message: proactive planning, teamwork, and structured protocols are vital. These strengthen disaster response and help build a resilient healthcare system.