From structural retrofitting to climate retrofitting: Ensuring resilience in public health facilities

In Nepal, the structural design of public health facilities adheres to building codes, while functional aspects follow health construction guidelines. Given Nepal's high seismic risk and climate change impacts, retrofitting these facilities for resilience is crucial. Climate change disrupts daily life, affecting livelihoods and public health, necessitating comprehensive strategies like climate retrofitting. Climate retrofitting enhances buildings, infrastructure, and systems to withstand climate change effects, ensuring functionality, sustainability, and reduced environmental impact. It incorporates energy-efficient designs, water management systems, disaster response plans, and environmental health protection measures. Transitioning from structural to climate retrofitting requires engineers to lead. They should develop facilities resistant to extreme weather, environmental hazards, and service disruptions. Engineering associations can promote climate resilience through training programs, collaboration, advocacy for policies, and global initiatives. Universities play a role by integrating climate resilience into engineering curricula and engaging students in research. These proactive steps empower engineers and architects to design healthcare facilities resilient to climate change, ensuring continued essential services delivery despite challenges. Overall, proactive measures by engineering bodies and universities contribute significantly to developing a workforce capable of planning and designing climate-resilient healthcare facilities, safeguarding essential healthcare services for communities amidst climate adversity