Have enough doctors, need tents and medical gear now: Nepal

It is heartening that countries the world over have rushed teams of doctors to Nepal, where over 80 lakh persons have been affected by a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake that ripped the earth last Saturday. But the authorities there would have stated to dna that they have enough doctors now. What they need at this juncture is medical and accommodation gear.

Talking to dna over phone from Kathmandu, Dr Khem Karki, member secretary, Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), and a coordinator for foreign medical teams, said that more than 250 doctors from across the world are already working in Nepal and 80 more are waiting for deployment. He stressed that what they need now is tarpaulin tents to shelter people. “It is great that doctors from across the globe over are landing in Nepal to treat the injured. But currently, there’s an oversupply, and we have not yet been able to allot some of them their area of work. There are more than 80 doctors waiting for deployment, while 250 are already working on the field. “

Nepal’s Consul General in Kolkata, Chandra Kumar, further said, “We are in dire need of tarpaulin tents. More than 80 lakh people are homeless, and we need more than one lakh tents daily. Those who want to help us should donate tarpaulin tents.”

Other than damaged roads and lack of logistical support, verification of doctors’ documents is another reason for the delay in deployment. As per protocol, every doctor arriving in Nepal for medical relief work has to take an endorsement from the NHRC, whose officials verify the documents and issue a temporary licence for them to work there. Karki said, ““If the doctors belong to government institution, we deploy them right away. But for those from private institutions we have to follow certain guidelines.” He added, “Those waiting will get deployment within 2-3 days. Our appeal for blood donation got an overwhelming response, leading to enough stock of blood.

There is enough supply of oxygen. Now, we want the things like fixator, which is used to treat multiple bone fracture, dressing material, antibiotics and drinking water.”

Kumar said, “Our office is there to help, and a number of NGOs and government bodies have come forward to help. Of the 37 affected districts, we have declared an emergency in 12.”