Ordem dos Médicos calls for national hospital seismic resilience assessment

The Ordem dos Médicos (OM) is calling for a national assessment of hospital resilience in Portugal regarding earthquakes and other catastrophes. The organization emphasizes the necessity of ensuring that essential services, such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, and operating theaters, remain functional during disasters.

In a statement expressing solidarity with victims of a recent earthquake in Colombia, the OM highlighted that Portugal faces seismic risks. The group argues that hospitals, as critical infrastructure, must be able to provide care when the population needs it most and must not become “another victim” during a catastrophe.

Carlos Cortes, president of the OM, stated that preparing hospitals to continue care under adverse circumstances is a matter of patient safety and a responsibility of the State. The proposed national evaluation should involve health authorities, civil protection, INEM, hospital institutions, and healthcare professionals to identify vulnerabilities, establish investment priorities, and ensure effective continuity of care plans. The OM also recommends periodic exercises to test the coordination between hospitals, pre-hospital emergency services, and firefighters.