Disaster Management in Hemodialysis Centers: Ensuring Continuity of Lifesaving Care

Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining therapy that depends on uninterrupted access to electricity, clean water, medical supplies, and trained staff. This dependence makes hemodialysis units uniquely vulnerable to disasters such as natural catastrophes, power failures, pandemics, or civil emergencies. The COVID-19 pandemic, major earthquakes, and large-scale floods have highlighted the fragility of dialysis infrastructure worldwide. This review synthesizes available evidence on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery in hemodialysis centers. Drawing on international experiences and existing guidelines, it proposes a framework to enhance resilience and ensure continuity of dialysis care during crises. Key strategies include structured risk assessment, patient and staff education, backup systems for power and water, coordinated regional response networks, and incorporation of disaster readiness into routine dialysis operations. Strengthening preparedness at every level-from the individual center to national health systems-is vital to prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality among this highly vulnerable population.