CMAT Relief effort in China to change focus.
CMAT assessment photo of devastation in Sichuan, China.
Thursday May 22, 2008 – TORONTO/ VANCOUVER: Canadian Medical Assessment Team (CMAT) Response Coordinators established contact early yesterday morning by satellite phone with the CMAT assessment team in earthquake-affected Sichuan, China. The assessment team advised that the Chinese government, military and local Red Cross have done a commendable job in the rescue and recovery effort. At present, there are 100,000+ Chinese Military and over 1000 medical staff in the region, and most seriously injured citizens have already been evacuated to larger centres.
CMAT team members at camp in Sichuan, China.
CMAT provided 6 cases of pharmaceutical medications from Health Partners International, to field hospitals working in the area, however, our offer of providing medical teams to the area was declined by Government Officials, and it is on their advice that CMAT has decided to immediately shift the focus of our relief effort in China. CMAT has investigated other projects which can be completed with our donor’s generous funds. Local Officials have indicated that there is now a great need for shelter in the form of tents and cots (beds), and so funds gathered will instead be used towards the purchase and distribution of these items.
CMAT Assessment team with Pharmaceutical packs from Health Partners International.
CMAT continues to appeal for donations to assist with the tent and cot project.
On behalf of Canadian Medical Assistance Teams, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our generous donors for their donations, as well as extend my gratitude to our volunteers who selflessly rearranged their lives in anticipation of imminent deployment. Your support and dedication is very much appreciated.
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