Australian Force Marks Month Providing Flood Aid

Australian Medical Task Force Marks One Month Providing Primary Medical Aid To Flood Victims

Operation Pakistan Assist II hit a milestone on Saturday the 2nd of October, marking one month since the Australian Medical Task Force opened its doors and commenced providing primary medical aid to the flood affected people of Kot Addu.

The Defence and civilian relief workers have had little time to sit back and celebrate as providing relief to the many flood victims has been a full-time job.

Commander of the Australian Defence Force element, Wing Commander Ross Wadsworth, said every day provided a new set of challenges.

“Every day we find a new set of solutions and continue the important task of providing primary medical assistance to victims of the Pakistan floods,” he said.

The Australian health facility at Camp Cockatoo has been providing primary health care similar to a general practice, with a ward for day treatment, basic diagnostic services including X-ray and pathology, a pharmacy and a preventative health program.

Air Force Medical Officer, Squadron Leader Simon McLaughlin, said the facility’s capabilities have been well tested during its deployment and that conditions in the region where the Australian Medical Task Force is based are improving.

“So far we have seen over 7300 patients,” Squadron Leader McLaughlin said.

“We have regularly been treating over 250 patients per day and it has been very rewarding to be able to provide this sort of assistance where it is needed the most.”

Acting AusAID Team Leader, Brett Negus, said the support from the international community has significantly assisted the Pakistani authorities to manage the humanitarian situation.

“It is positive to note that the United Nations reports that 80 to 85 per cent of displaced people have now returned home in Punjab province.

“Local health services are beginning to return to normal,” Mr Negus said.

Australia has provided $75 million in humanitarian, early recovery and reconstruction assistance to Pakistan.

ENDS

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