Afghan Army doctor, stryker medics help civilians in Uruzgan

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

12.02.2010

Courtesy Story

ISAF Joint Command

KABUL, Afghanistan –The availability of medical care to treat the sick and wounded within a community is one of the most basic human requirements, but for areas of Afghanistan it remains a work in progress.

“The [World Health Organization] defines access to healthcare as being within two hours of walking distance of a functioning clinic but sometimes you may be within that two-hour zone but not be able to make the walk due to poor security or the terrain,” said Australian Maj. Oscar Aldridge, Combined Team Uruzgan senior medical officer. “So much of Uruzgan doesn’t have access to a functioning civilian-lead health system but they’re getting there.”

One example of the short-term solution was a recent medical mission in Kakarak, Afghanistan, Nov. 22, lead by an Afghan doctor and medic from the 4th Brigade, Afghan National Army and a small team of 1st Squadron, 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment soldiers who assisted in the effort.

“The security situation in Uruzgan doesn’t yet permit Afghan civilian health providers to get out and provide healthcare to a large portion of the population,” said Aldridge. “By enabling and supporting [Afghan National Security Forces], in particular the Afghan National Army, to get out there and do activities like this, it allows people to access healthcare when they otherwise couldn’t. It helps to develop the capabilities within the Afghan National Army and it provides our guys a chance to get out there and connect with some of the locals as well.”

Situated inside a temporary tent, the makeshift clinic treated more than 40 Afghan citizens and Afghan National Police for a variety of ailments ranging from an infected tooth to flu-like symptoms that coincide with the changing weather.

Functioning in a largely support role, the stryker medics helped the Afghan doctor with the aid of an interpreter and focused on passing out vitamins and basic medical supplies to the locals. Although their primary duties are to provide patient care within the squadron, the opportunity to help the local civilians was meaningful.

“Medical care is one of those standard things that everyone should have. No one should be absent from medical care,” said Spc. Edwin Torres, Headquarters & Headquarters Company, 1-2 SCR, combat medic. Torres said that healthcare is something that can be taken for granted in other parts of the world but not here.

“They were really excited to get medical care, especially for their families. A lot of males came over to have their children seen,” said Torres.

Since the closest clinic is in Tarin Kot, a trek of seven miles, the mission demonstrated the ability of the ANA and the Afghan government to step in and offer assistance to their citizens until a time when the civilian medical field is more established.

“By receiving healthcare from someone who works for the Afghan government it’s sending a message to the Afghan people that they can rely on their government to provide for their needs,” said Aldridge.

• Date Taken: 12.02.2010
• Date Posted: 12.02.2010 07:46
• Story ID: 61213
• Location: KABUL, AF