Voluntary health task force help for civilians fleeing Tigers

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

A special voluntary health task force was in operation from yesterday under the direction of Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva to serve the people fleeing from the LTTE to the safe zone, Ministry sources said yesterday.

The sources said a large number of people who escaped from the LTTE are fleeing into the safe zone. The Ministry has made arrangements to ensure that all people staying in camps receive medical assistance and healthcare.

The new voluntary health task force will serve in all camps.

A large number of sick and wounded people are arriving to the safe zone and health staff have already been deployed in every camp.

The new voluntary health task force will assist the existing health staff, educate the people on the importance of personal hygiene etc.

There is a standby ambulance and a permanent health centre in every camp. A mobile laboratory is also available for all eight camps, sources said.

The Ministry has sent 10 doctors to the Cheddikulam hospital and another 15 doctors to the Vavuniya hospital. Service of Vavuniya hospital has been strengthened by adding 103 nurses, 49 MBBS doctors, surgeons, one anesthesian and one pediatrician.

Twenty two nurses have been sent to the Cheddikulam hospital, Ministry sources said. The ministry will send another batch of doctors to Trincomalee to treat 250 patients who arrived in Trincomalee by sea from the North.