Deadly earthquake in Sichuan, China (Jiuzhaigou County)

2017-08-15 07:24:30

On August 8, 2017, a powerful 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck a remote, mountainous part of China’s south-western province of Sichuan, killing 24 people and injuring 493 others. The reports of assumed numbers of casualties was all over the news, meanwhile, HealthLink’s team were alerted.

HealthLink firstly cross-examined the covered members in the database together with the concerned travel agency, insurance companies and Sichuan Tourist Administration, and found out that there were hundreds of HealthLink members travelling there during the earthquake. On further inquiry, it was confirmed that 3 members had died and 3 were seriously injured.

HealthLink’s medical team contacted the hospital to review the medical records and monitor the injured members through communicating with patients attending physician, and on the other hand, the assistance team reached out the local funeral home to repatriate the mortal remains of the deceased as per request from the family members. All according to the plans, the mortal remains of three members and other three injured members were successfully repatriated back to their respective hometown.

An unexpected emergency situation like this one have always brought people closer to their love ones, but to HealthLink the same situation was a lesson and an experience to be learned to improve our readiness.