Public health system response to 5 December 2012 South Khorasan earthquake (a case study)

Disasters such as earthquake induce large volume of human needs. One of the most important of them is primary health care needs. Following the 5 December 2012 South Khorasan earthquake، the public health system of the province actively involved to provide primary health care for the affected people. This case study investigated the response operations of public health system to earthquake. In this case-descriptive study، data collected by researchers using checklists، interview with healthcare workers in earthquake-affected areas، reviewing documents، and observation of the response operations. An earthquake measuring 5. 5 on the Richter scale hit Qaenat and Zirkouh areas caused 6 deaths and 23 injuries. About 2143 people were affected and 38 villages destroyed about 30 to 100%. Responding to the health needs، a rapid health needs assessment was performed immediately. Then، a response plan designed according to «National Public Health Disaster and Emergency Operation Plan». Public health system in collaboration with expert health groups provided the primary health care services for the affected communities. Although the recent earthquake was mild and occurred in the early of night، but it killed some people and destroyed a number of structures. Public health system provided an appropriate response according to EOP. Nevertheless، because Iran is a disaster prone country، the health system should be prepared for different types of hazards.