Red Cross hospital for Bhuj on way
29 January 2001

Red Cross logisticians are preparing for the arrival early tomorrow of the first components of a field hospital which is being flown into the earthquake-devastated town of Bhuj, in Gujarat, India. A site has been chosen for the facility which will be able to cater for up to 500 in-patients and 1,000 out-patients.

As concern grows about the treatment of earthquake-related injuries and possible outbreaks of disease, water and sanitation equipment is also being shipped to Bhuj with a production capacity of 120,000 litres per day through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

"When the hospital is up and running it will be dealing with a lot of survivors coming in with severe injuries - amputations with infections or those who need further surgical treatment. Crush injuries also need quick attention as they can have serious side effects on internal organs especially kidneys," said Dr. Hakan Sandbladh, emergency health co-ordinator of the International Federation.

The hospital is arriving with the support of the Finnish, Norwegian and Geman Red Cross and with a full complement of medical and technical support staff.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Delhi:
Patro Bijoy, information assistant, Tel: +91 11 685 8671/2

Geneva:
Christopher Black, Information Officer, Tel.: +41 22 730 4377
Carolyn Oxlee, Information Officer Tel.: +41 79 416 3881
Denis McClean, Head of Media Service, Tel: +41 22 730 4428
Tel: +41 79 2173357

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.