Strengthening hospital resilience
to earthquakes: a public health review
of seismic risk reduction programs in the
Middle East

Strengthening hospital resilience
to earthquakes: a public health review
of seismic risk reduction programs in the
Middle East

Hospitals, Disaster planning, Earthquakes, Emergency preparedness, Risk management, Middle east

Abstract
Introduction Maintaining hospital functionality during and after earthquakes is essential for effective disaster
response in seismically active regions. In the Middle East, hospital resilience is challenged by limited infrastructure
investment, variable enforcement of safety regulations, and inconsistent preparedness planning.
Methods A systematic literature review was conducted across nine databases (2009–2024), including EBSCO,
Cochrane, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Medline, EconLit, and Google Scholar. Studies were included
if they assessed hospitals in the Middle East with comprehensive or partial seismic risk reduction programs. Three
independent reviewers performed data extraction and quality appraisal using validated tools appropriate to study
design.
Results Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Hospitals with comprehensive seismic risk reduction programs,
including structural retrofitting, disaster drills, surge capacity plans, and emergency communication protocols,
demonstrated higher levels of functional continuity following earthquakes. In contrast, facilities lacking such
measures reported structural damage, service disruptions, and patient evacuations. Mobile hospitals were identified
as a promising adaptive strategy for mitigating overload in high-risk, resource-limited settings.
Conclusion Comprehensive seismic preparedness programs enhance hospital functionality in earthquake-prone
regions. These findings underscore the importance of integrated risk reduction strategies, cross-sector coordination,
and sustained investment. Further research is needed to evaluate the comparative impact of preparedness levels
using standardized functionality indicators, and to explore scalable innovations such as mobile and modular
healthcare units to strengthen regional disaster resilience.
Keywords Hospitals, Disaster planning, Earthquakes, Emergency preparedness, Risk management, Middle east

Yasir Almukhlifi1,2* , Maher Alsulami1,2, Abdullah Alharbi1,2, Tafe Howsawi1,2, Amal Hussain1,2,3, Reema Alfageeh1,2,
Aseel Alzahrani4

, Eatedal Alshareef5

, Amal Salah6

, Rani Radey7

and Mohammed Sultan8

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-025-01000-4

2025

Peri Irawan

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