ISLAMABAD, Oct 21: Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Secretary-General Dr Sher Shah Syed has urged the government and relief agencies to take immediate steps to ensure provision and administration of anti-tetanus vaccine in earthquake-affected areas of the NWFP and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).

Speaking at a press conference organized jointly by the PMA, Human Resource Development Network (HRDN) and Taraqee Foundation here on Friday, Dr Syed said a large number of survivors were infected with tetanus due to open wounds and an even larger number were at the risk of contracting the disease.

He said there was a severe shortage of anti-tetanus vaccine in areas hit worst by the last week’s earthquake.

Briefing mediapersons on relief work and medical aid, Dr Syed said the PMA, the HRDN and Taraqee Trust had made two hospitals fully functional in Mansehra with diagnostic and surgical facilities.

“District Hospital Mansehra and a non-profit medical centre being run by a local organization, called Kids Blood Diseases Organization, have treated hundreds of seriously wounded patients after the earthquake. Both hospitals are now equipped with all necessary diagnostic and emergency facilities as well as supplies. A team of PMA doctors has worked voluntarily round the clock to provide medical aid to people brought in from all parts of the AJK and Hazara,” he said.

Dr Syed also praised the role of Edhi Foundation in running an efficient ambulance service and providing relief goods to the affected areas.

The PMA secretary-general announced that the organization, along with its partners, was also setting up medical camps near Balakot and Muzaffarabad.