XVII.7.2 Medical Evacuation

 

​Medical Evacuation ("MEDEVAC") of WHO Staff deployed in response to Emergencies and Suspected Public Health Events Under Investigation

10.       The MEDEVAC for WHO staff members assigned to respond to emergencies and for the investigation of suspected public health events should follow the provisions in Staff Rules 810.7, 810.8, 820.2.8 and 820.2.9 and in eManual III.15.4. 

Medical Evacuation ("MEDEVAC") of eligible Consultants and SSA holders deployed in response to Emergencies and Suspected Public Health Events Under Investigation

I. Introduction

20.       Paragraphs 20-160 describe the provisions to be followed for medical evacuation ("MEDEVAC") of eligible consultants and SSA holders (see paragraph 50) deployed in response to the situations defined in the WHO eManual XVII.2.2 Activation of Emergency Procedures.

30.       Exceptionally, WHO may provide assistance for the medical evacuation of employees of implementing partners in the context of emergency response or the investigation of suspected public health events on a case-by-case basis based on conditions as outlined in the document "Conditions for Partners to Request WHO Assistance for MEDEVAC".

40.       WHO Consultants and SSA holders are covered, subject to the conditions and limits contained in the insurance policy, for (i) compensation in case of accidental death or disability and (ii) medical expenses in case of accident and illness[1] up to a ceiling which includes a limited amount for transportation. For WHO consultants and SSA holders who are not eligible for medical evacuation under paragraph 50, medical care costs and any transportation costs incurred by them are covered solely under the terms and within the limits set out in their respective insurance policies. Paragraphs 60 – 160 do not apply.

II. Medical evacuation of eligible consultants and SSA holders deployed in response to emergencies and for the investigation of suspected public health events

50.       In case of accident or illness, and provided that: a)  the facilities for medical treatment at the place of the assignment are judged by WHO to be inadequate or when the illness or injury could lead to a life-threatening situation and/or a major disability; b) any required visas are issued based on valid national passports or UN travel documents; and c) access to adequate available medical facilities is confirmed by Director SHW, who consults the Regional Staff Physicians as applicable:

• Internationally recruited consultants deployed outside their country of residence are eligible for medical evacuation by WHO standards and the provisions in Paragraphs 60 - 160 and
• Exceptionally, locally recruited consultants and SSA holders may be eligible for medical evacuation outside the place of assignment by WHO standards and the provisions in Paragraphs 60 - 160.
  

III. Cost & Insurance

60.       For eligible consultants and SSA holders referred to in paragraph 50 above ("eligible consultants and SSA holders"), the MEDEVAC cost defined in paragraphs 70 and 80 will be covered by WHO and individual insurance policies as applicable.

70.       Transportation costs:

• For "eligible consultants and SSA holders" for whom WHO authorizes a medical evacuation, WHO will first pay the cost of transport by WHO standards and any applicable per diem approved by WHO through a travel authorization[2].
• According to the individual contractual and insurance arrangements, WHO will recover any amounts payable for the transportation cost in question as applicable. 

 80.       Medical care costs:

• For "eligible consultants and SSA holders" for whom WHO authorizes a medical evacuation,  WHO will first pay directly to the health care providers per WHO standards for the reasonable medical, surgical, pharmaceutical and convalescence expenses incurred in obtaining proper treatment.
  
• According to the individual contractual and insurance arrangements, WHO will recover any amounts payable for the accident/illness in question as applicable.

 90.       Any payment made by WHO under the provisions defined in paragraphs 70 and 80 will be managed by the WHO Health Emergencies Programme in coordination with other relevant WHO technical programmes as required.

 

IV. Destination of Evacuation

100.     The patient will be evacuated to the nearest location that accepts the patient within or outside the country of operation where adequate medical facilities exist as judged by WHO. Director SHW, in consultation with the RSP as applicable, will decide on the evacuation destination, considering cost-effectiveness and any restriction of location.

 

V. Key Principles, Roles & Responsibilities

110.     WHO assesses all requests for medical evacuation on a case-by-case basis. The ultimate authority to approve or decline MEDEVAC requests resides with the Director, SHW, who may consult with the RSPs as applicable.

120.     The Deputy Director-General, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and the respective Regional Emergency Director(s) will be informed by the Director, SHW, once a decision related to MEDEVAC is made.

130.     The overall responsibility of coordinating the implementation of MEDEVAC rests with the MEDEVAC Coordinator (see Annex 1), designated by the Incident Manager or Head of the WHO Country Office at the onset of an emergency. If a MEDEVAC coordinator is not designated, this responsibility rests with the Head of the WHO Country Office or his/her designee.

140.     Any communications with external audiences regarding MEDEVAC are to be dealt with by the Department of Communications at WHO in coordination with the Incident Manager or Head of WHO Country Office, as well as the Deputy Director-General, Emergency Preparedness and Response.

150.     The key contact details for the SHW Physician on duty can be found in Annex 2