Publication:

Disability-inclusive disaster management in India integrating healthcare, the National Building Code and Indian Public Health Standards: a narrative review

India’s disaster management framework, established under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, addresses hazards like floods, cyclones, earthquakes, heatwaves, landslides, and heavy rain. However, the 26.8 million people with disabilities in India 2.21% of the population per the 2011 Census, with global estimates suggesting up to 15-24.9% face disproportionate risks, including mortality rates up to four times higher than others. Despite increased healthcare spending (from 1.2% of GDP in 2014-15 to 2.1% in 2022-23) and programs like Ayushman Bharat and Niramaya Health Insurance, many healthcare facilities and disaster shelters remain inaccessible for persons with disabilities. The National Building Code (NBC) of 2016 and Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) of 2022 set standards for accessible infrastructure and emergency preparedness, yet compliance is inconsistent. This narrative review explores how integrating healthcare, building codes, and public health standards can foster a disability-inclusive disaster management system. It highlights barriers, such as inaccessible shelters, limited disaster management training for persons with disabilities, and attitudinal challenges, and suggests solutions like retrofitting facilities, developing Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and boosting community involvement to ensure equitable safety.