Relief operations: PRCS asked to extend relief, health services to IDPs

ISLAMABAD:

A federal cabinet member has asked the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) to extend its relief and health services to the Internally-Displaced Persons (IDPs) of North Waziristan.

The directive was given by Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions Lt-General (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch during his visit to
the PRCS headquarters here on Friday, where he was briefed on the relief operations for the IDPs, said a press release.

He appreciated the efforts of the society’s staff and volunteers during disasters and hoped they would continue to work with the same spirit to serve the humanity.

He assured PRCS Chairman Dr Saeed Elahi of full support from the government towards their relief operation aimed at mitigating the sufferings of the people.

Aid initiatives

Dr Elahi briefed Baloch on the initiatives taken by the society. He said the rehabilitation process is being equipped with food, health care and clean drinking water for over 60,000 IDPs.

In a detailed briefing to the minister, PRCS Secretary General Dr Mahboob Sardar said that the society was first to reach in the area with its volunteers, doctors and ambulances and provided food, clean drinking water and medical cover to 22,000 IDPs. He said the PRCS is providing 24,000 food pack of 120kg each for three months for 60,000 individuals that will cost Rs400 million.

Four mobile health units at a cost of Rs10.5 million have been established consisting of one male and one lady doctor, three paramedics, lady health visitors (LHV), driver, 4 ambulances and medicines.

Later, the minister distributed Ramazan package among the society staff.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 28^th, 2014.