US to spend $200 million for education, health in quake zone
Ryan C Crocker, the United States ambassador to Pakistan, said on Wednesday that the US would spend $200 million over the next few years to supplement government’s efforts to revive educational and health facilities in quake-hit areas.
He was talking to the media at a ceremony for hand over of US medical equipment to the government.
The US Navy Marine Corps Combined Medical Response Team 3 (CMRT 3) held the ceremony before its return to Okinawa, Japan. The CMRT 3 provided medical relief to the quake affected people and also restored 12 local health facilities. CMRTs focused on medical outreach, vaccination and providing basic healthcare to thousands of villagers in inaccessible areas. The unit is returning to its base in Japan as the focus in quake-hit region is now shifting from relief work to reconstruction.
The CMRT has a staff of over 200 Marine Corps and Navy personnel, including 10 doctors, six nurses and 40 hospital staff. CMRT 3 has treated 15,000 patients and performed over 50 surgeries since November 17. The CMRT was a 60-bed mobile hospital with operating rooms, an Intensive Care Unit, radiology limit, laboratory and pharmacy. CMRT 3 has donated 900 bottles of paediatric medicines and more than 300 pounds of construction material. “This donation allows the CMRT’s work to continue even after its departure,” said Marine Lt Col Jamie Gannon, commanding officer of the CMRT. Maj General Shakeel Hussain appreciated the relief and medical assistance provided by the US Army.
Crocker said the US would continue its support to the government in the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. Rear Admiral Mike LeFever of the US, Mufit Kufayat Ullah, the district nazim, Khurram Hanif, the tehsil nazim, Shakeel Qadir, the district coordination officer (DCO) and other officials attended the ceremony.
Source: Daily Times
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