(Paris, 06/05/2015) Doctors of the World is fully mobilized to assist victims
Ten days after the earthquake, as the rubble is being cleared in Kathmandu and Nepal continues to count the dead and the casualties, Doctors of the World humanitarian aid is on its way to the worst affected regions. The organisation is setting up clinics in Sindhupalchok district to assist isolated populations in places where the healthcare system is in a state of total collapse. Almost 90% of the country’s health centres—many in this district to the east of Kathmandu—have been destroyed, depriving people of access to medical care.
Doctors of the World has a team of around 50 people in the north of Sindhupalchok responding to the healthcare needs of the Nepalese population. The team now includes psychologists as well as medical and surgical staff. Solidarités International and Fondation EDF are providing support to the logisticians in charge of equipment and water supply, which are so essential to the delivery of medical aid.
Transporting supplies along roads damaged during the earthquake at altitudes of over 3,000 metres is a real logistical challenge. However, Doctors of the World teams have succeeded in setting up their first medical facility near the village of Gloche and primary healthcare is being provided to around 4,000 people in the area. Similar facilities are to be set up in other sites in Sindhupalchok to respond to the needs of as many inhabitants as possible.
“Mitigating the effects of the earthquake on the health system through the use of mobile facilities may take between three to six months. But restoring long-term access to healthcare requires rebuilding not only hospitals and medical centres that have been destroyed but also reviving the national health system. At each stage, Doctors of the World will maintain its commitment to the Nepalese people,” said Joel Weiler, Emergency Director at Doctors of the World France.
