Postgraduate Diploma in

Health Emergency and Disaster Management

A brief overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Health Emergency and Disaster Management (PGD-HEDM) is designed to
equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage health emergencies
and disasters. This program integrates theoretical understanding with practical applications to prepare
graduates for leadership roles in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
Key objectives
i. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the concepts, principles, and theories related to
health emergency and disaster management.
ii. To develop critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for effective management of
health emergencies and disasters.
iii. To equip students with practical skills in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.
iv. To foster an interdisciplinary approach to disaster management by integrating knowledge from
various fields including public health, emergency medicine, and disaster risk reduction.
v. To prepare graduates for leadership roles in managing health emergencies and disasters at local,
national, and international levels.
Program structure
Semester 1:
1. Introduction to Health Emergency and Disaster management
▪ Overview of disasters and their impact on health systems
▪ Historical perspectives and evolution of disaster management
▪ Key concepts and principles in disaster management
2. Public Health Preparedness and Response
▪ Epidemiological principles in disaster management
▪ Surveillance and early warning systems
▪ Risk communication and community engagement
3. Health Systems Resilience
▪ Strengthening health systems to withstand disasters
▪ Continuity of essential health services during emergencies
▪ Healthcare facility preparedness and business continuity planning
Semester 2:
1. Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation
▪ Risk assessment and vulnerability analysis
▪ Strategies for disaster risk reduction and mitigation
▪ Sustainable development and resilience-building measures
2. Field work in Health Emergency and Disaster Management
▪ Hands-on experience in disaster response operations
▪ Field exercises and simulations
▪ Observation and analysis of real-world disaster response scenarios
 3. Research Methods in Health Emergency and Disaster Management
▪ Quantitative and qualitative research methodologies
▪ Data collection and analysis techniques
▪ Ethical considerations in disaster research
4. Research Project
▪ Independent research project on a topic relevant to health emergency and disaster
management
▪ Literature review, data collection, analysis, and report writing
▪ Presentation of findings to peers and faculty
Admission Requirements
i. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public health, medicine, nursing, emergency
management, or a related discipline.
ii. Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
iii. Relevant work experience in healthcare, emergency services, or disaster management may be
considered.
Duration:
The PGD in Health Emergency and Disaster Management is typically completed over a period of one year,
comprising two semesters of coursework and a capstone project.
Career Opportunities:
▪ Government Agencies: Government agencies such as the National Disaster Management
Authority (NDMA), provincial disaster management authorities, and health departments to
contribute to policy development, planning, and implementation of emergency and disaster
management initiatives.
▪ Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): International Organizations like the World
Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and
various UN agencies; other NGOs involved in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance,
such as the Red Crescent Society, Oxfam, and Save the Children etc.
▪ Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities etc.
▪ Academic and Research Institutions: Graduates can pursue careers in academia and
research organizations, conducting studies on emergency preparedness, disaster
response effectiveness, and public health interventions.
Fee:
Rs. 120,000 / Semester.