QUETTA: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the University of Balochistan (UoB) here on Wednesday.

The memorandum calls for a ‘safety programme’ that includes the provision of ambulance service, paramedic staff, first aid kiosk, etc. It would prepare emergency response teams, offer first aid training, safety and evacuation plans and conduct youth empowerment activities on a regular basis.

The document was signed by the Secretary of PRCS, Dr Imran Khan, and Vice Chancellor, University of Balochistan, Dr Javed Iqbal.

The Chairman of PRCS, (retired) Maj Fazil Durrani, said that PRCS would like a maximum number of people to be prepared to cope with an emergency.

Mr Durrani said that the death toll from the Civil Hospital blast in Quetta was high since people did not have an understanding of basic first aid techniques.

Dr Iqbal said that this MoU would be beneficial for both the organisations. UoB is the largest university of the province where around 10,000 students are pursuing their degrees.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2016