Developing Resilient Policies to Improve Disaster Safety in Hospitals in Isfahan Province

Abstract

Having safe and resilient hospitals is essential for the health system to respond to disasters. This policy brief was developed based on the findings of a six-year study (2017-2022) on the evaluation of the hospital safety index of all 55 hospitals under the auspices of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The document emphasizes the need to enter the stage of “targeted action and dynamic monitoring”. Accordingly, five broad policy options were proposed: The first priority is “mandating and monitoring the regular implementation of operational maneuvers and reviewing crisis management plans”, which directly affects the promotion of safety culture and practical preparedness. In the next stage, “empowering hospital crisis management committees” and “developing a national online safety index monitoring system” are recommended as infrastructural and complementary measures. Finally, “targeted budget allocation to address non-structural deficiencies” and “structural resilience of high-risk hospitals” are emphasized as essential but costly and long-term measures. In addition to political commitment and resource allocation, the implementation of the proposed hybrid strategy requires overcoming obstacles such as public budget constraints, administrative bureaucracy, a reactive rather than proactive mindset in some management and personnel areas, and the lack of transparent standards. By providing a stakeholder analysis, timeframe, and enabling measures for each option, this policy brief provides policymakers and planning organizations with an operational tool to effectively prioritize interventions to make hospitals resilient to potential disasters. © 2026, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.