KARACHI: Missions call for training in disaster management
KARACHI, Nov 9: Need for mandatory training in disaster management and relief operations to medical and allied professionals, as well as youth of the Muslim world, was strongly felt by Islamic medical missions which are currently in earthquake-hit areas of Kashmir and northern Pakistan in connection with relief operations.
Coming from different parts of the world, representatives of some of these missions were sharing their experience at a reception organized by the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) on Tuesday. They observed that while there was no dearth of motivation among volunteers, yet lack of training could largely be felt.
Dr Hisba Rasool of the Sudan Islamic Medical Association, Dr Mohammad Gohar Iqbal of the Islamic Organization of India and Dr Hussein Al Badri, representing Islamic Medical Association of North America, along with Dr Misbahul Aziz, Dr Sohail Akhter and Dr Ahmed Salman of PIMA were also present on the occasion.
They suggested close coordination among these organizations on regular basis for sharing experience and expertise that may benefit the people.
Dr Mohammad Gohar Iqbal said that his association had adopted regular training in disaster management and relief operations as an integral part of its relief efforts.
He maintained that the drill had greatly helped his association in playing a pivotal role when tsunami had hit the coastal belt of Kerala last year and when a massive earthquake ravaged Bhoj area of Gujrat in 2001.
The participants agreed that preparedness for any sort of calamity could considerably reduce its painful implications and as such there must be provision for addressing such scenarios at all levels.
Dr Hisba referred to the contribution made by PIMA’s team during the Dafur crisis in his country.
Dr Badri observed that volunteers from different parts of the world might not be able to stay in Pakistan for a very long time, hence there was a need for training of local volunteers.
He, however, held out the assurance that the Islamic Medical Mission would try to send its delegates, comprising trained professionals, to quake ravaged areas on a regular basis.
Dr Sohail Akhter, Coordinator of PIMA relief activities in the affected areas, referred to the measures being adopted for sustained relief efforts during the approaching harsh winters.
He expressed his gratitude to local philanthropists, as well as Muslim countries, for extending support to PIMA.
In-charge of the PIMA Relief Works Dr Babar Saeed Khan said that PIMA doctors rendering voluntary services were providing treatment to over 2,000 patients every day at the field hospitals set up by the association in the affected districts of Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Bagh.
Giving details, he said that at the three field hospitals, more than 100 doctors and paramedics were working day and night. In addition, PIMA had so far distributed medical instruments and medicines worth Rs10 million in the affected areas, he added.
Meanwhile, a PIMA press release issued here on Wednesday said that it had set up a state-of-the-art facility of diagnostic laboratories in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Bagh.
These laboratories are approved by the United Nations and World Health Organization and the governmental, as well as, non-governmental organizations, could avail the facility, according to the press release.—APP/PPI
