Its one of the worst human tragedies of the modern times that 3 million people displaced from their homes, families, business, education trying to fight for their lives under the blazing sun, poor hygienic & health conditions in the tents & under the roofs of various school buildings.

Situation Overview

As of 27 May, the number of people displaced by the conflict is 2,553,332, of whom 167,565 are in camps and 2,385,767 are with host families or other rented accommodation. (See table below for a breakdown of the figures).

Total IDPs Registered Inside and Outside of Camps as of 27 May 2009

U.N. agencies warn a major potential disaster in health services is alarming in the tribal areas of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province. They do not have the capacity to help all those who need or who will be in need of health care. The coming influx in the camps is still unending and the monsoon season is approaching ahead, which may cause disease outbreaks. Humidity and floods will add an additional burden starting anew fight against diseases. This will be a major challenge.

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

Many IDPs are in poor condition mentally as well as physically. The trauma they are facing makes them defenseless against diseases. They are worried about their lost land and possessions also there are no clue still about the time frame when they will be returning their homes.

Arrangements to shift IDPs camps in areas where medical facilities are easily available should be done. Also government can declare a health emergency in the area and make every possible arrangement to send teams of doctors from all over Pakistan and abroad to over come this ion coming disaster.

Besides 100’s of NGOs, government of NWFP & Federal government of Pakistan,  working for the IDPs, the biggest effort is launched by the Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Shahbaz Sharif who is providing an extensive medical care for the IDPs.

The effort was launched through the Punjab Health Department & the master minds were the Secretary Health, Mr Anwar Ahmad Khan & the Director General Health Services Punjab, Dr Mohammad Aslam. The later constituted a motivated & selfless team of the Director Health Services Punjab, Dr Islam Zafar who is also the Incharge of the Medical Camp based in Mardan Medical Complex

The health authorities have temporarily established a base camp in the administration block of the Mardan Medical Complex where the CAMP OFFICE is run by Director Health Services Punjab, Dr Islam Zafar & his team members. Medical teams from all the Punjab districts are received here & they are briefed on the structure of the camp, its working, the daily schedule for the staff, about the accommodation & catering facilities for the staff & about the general instructions to the staff.

The female staff members are accommodated in a nursing hostel & male staff members on the private ward of the medical complex. The local canteen in the premises of the hospital caters breakfast, lunch & dinner to the staff.

The medical staff members in the pool are divided into two groups. One working in the medical complex & the others going in the field for medical camping.

So far 4 medical teams of doctors, paramedical & support staff have been sent by Punjab Medical College/Allied Hospital/DHQ Hospital Faisalabad & in the teams the emed doctors certainly played their role.

Vice President emed, Dr Humaira Arshad accompanied the 1^st team from Faisalabad when the medical camp was in the phase of establishing. Dr Humaira Arshad established the labor room in the medical camp & delivered 1^st child, a baby boy who was named Shahbaz Sharif Khan. Incharge Camp Office, Dr Islam Zafar still refers zeal, motivation & energy of Dr Humaira Zafar to every new team he receives in the camp.

General Secretary emed, Dr Khurram Raja led the 3^rd team & with his tireless work for the management of the camp office has left positive impression of Faisalabad teams. Both Dr Humaira & Dr Khurram visited the field camps & helped the administration in modifying their strategies.

Another emed lady doctor Mudassar Faiza volunteered her name for the medical team & earned respect & fame for emed. She helped in establishing the EPI centre in the camp & volunteered herself for the double duties in labor camp as well as in the fields. She was highly appreciated by the administrative authorities.

After a week long stay in the camp area & in the field, following are the few recommendations for the government to take swift action on them:

• Measures should be taken to stop selling of food items such as ice balls, Kulfi (home made ice cream) etc. prepared and kept in unhygienic conditions by the street vendors in the premises of camps.

• Increase in number of mobile teams working in Mardan district to serve emerging spontaneous camps.

• Water and sanitation conditions in IDP camps need urgent attention to prevent spread of water borne diseases.

• Working conditions for health care providers in terms of tents and shelters in IDP camps need improvement.

• Better infrastructure for health clinics in camps to provide conducive environment for patients.

• Additional female health care providers to cater to the health needs of female IDPs.

• Surgical supplies for hospitals in conflict zones.

_____________________________

By

Dr Khurram Sohail Raja,

General Secretary emed

7.6.2009