December 05, 2007	Wednesday	Ziqa'ad 24, 1428

PESHAWAR, Dec 4: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has provided medical kits and other material for 150 people who were admitted to hospitals in Swat and the Kurram Agency following recent clashes there.

The ICRC has also expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in the violence-hit areas and therefore is trying to help the affected people, according to a handout. The ICRC maintains contact with the authorities as well as those involved in hostilities. It extends assistance to all those in need of it.

Following the outbreak of fighting in the Kurram Agency on Nov 28, the ICRC provided medical assistance to hospitals in Sadda and Parachinar regions. Each hospital received x-ray material and medical kits meant for treating 50 people injured in the clashes, said the press release.

On November 29, in response to the continued fighting in the Swat district, the ICRC provided assistance to the Saidu Sharif hospital by extending to them a similar kit for 100 patients.

This was the third time that medical aid was provided to the Saidu hospital over the last few weeks, said the handout. The ongoing fighting and the cold weather have made the lives of the people of Swat difficult. Many of them have had to flee to safer places.