Australian High Commission
Islamabad
Pakistan

Australian Government deploys medical task force to Kot Addu, Punjab

AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION
ISLAMABAD
 

Press Release

Australian Government Deploys Medical Task Force to Kot Addu, Punjab

On 24 August an Australian Medical Task Force arrived in Multan to provide health services to communities affected by the unprecedented floods. The Task Force is in addition to the $35 million worth of flood assistance Australia has already provided to Pakistan.

The joint operation between the Australian Agency for International Development and the Australian Defence Force deployed in response to a request by the Pakistan Government and will help address health concerns including outbreaks of water borne diseases.

The Medical Task Force is establishing a medical facility near Kot Addu in the Muzaffar garh District of Punjab. It consists of a number of medical teams comprising Defence personnel and civilians, including doctors, nurses, paramedics and support personnel, drawn from state health agencies.

The Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Stephen Smith, said “Australia is a good friend of Pakistan and we stand ready to provide whatever assistance we can. The medical teams will provide essential and immediate primary health care to treat people in central Pakistan and help prevent the spread of disease”.

“Australia is currently focused on the immediate needs of the Pakistani people, but we will also assist with the recovery and reconstruction task,” Mr Smith said.

The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said the Medical Task Force was prepared to operate for an extended period in Pakistan but would maintain close links with the Government of Pakistan to ensure it was providing support for only as long as required.
 

 

24 August 2010

 

Contact: James McGarry (051 835 5500)