The European Union has launched the 'Preparedness Union Strategy' aimed at enhancing resilience against various emergencies, including natural disasters, pandemics, and cyberattacks.

Inspired by Scandinavian models, the strategy outlines 30 key actions that emphasize population preparedness, civil-military cooperation, and the maintenance of essential social functions, particularly in healthcare.

Healthcare is a central focus of this strategy, advocating for a proactive approach to prevention, forecasting, and response to health crises.

Key measures within the strategy include establishing minimum preparedness criteria for essential services, enhancing cybersecurity in healthcare, and diversifying medicine supply chains to reduce dependency on a limited number of countries.

Experts recommend involving local healthcare providers in strengthening rapid alert systems to ensure reliable information is disseminated during crises.

Italian infectious disease specialist Professor Enrico Bernini Carri emphasizes the importance of training local healthcare professionals in disaster medicine to improve coordination during emergencies.

The EU's strategy includes a 'resilience kit' designed for citizens to manage the first 72 hours of an emergency, though it has faced criticism for unclear communication regarding its usage in various scenarios.

Healthcare professionals suggest essential resources for emergency preparedness, which include specific first aid items, personal hygiene supplies, and provisions for vulnerable populations, particularly the disabled.

The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority was established to assess health threats and ensure the availability of critical medical supplies.

Critics argue that the strategy overlooks local healthcare services, such as primary care and home-based services, by focusing primarily on emergency logistics and strategic reserves.