Deployment of Foreign Medical Teams: An Initiative to Reduce the Aftermaths of Public Health Emergencies

Abstract

Every year one or another calamity or a disaster or an infectious disease claims lives of numerous people, including health professionals, all across the world. A wide range of parameters have been identified which collectively leads to a poor response of a nation to health emergency. In an attempt to improve the response to a public health emergency, the World Health Organization (WHO) has started a new initiative to build Foreign Medical Teams (FMTs) which can be employed anytime anywhere to manage such situations. These FMTs are well-trained, experienced, and self-sufficient with regard to required equipments or supplies, and hence do not cast a burden on the local health care delivery system. To conclude, deployment of Foreign Medical Teams in response to a public health emergency in affected nations is a welcome initiative of the World Health Organization. These teams not only save the lives of numerous people, but even play a crucial role in the strengthening of the health system on a long-term basis.