Medical operation helps Mushada residents

Photo By Spc. Cal Turner | Medics from 9th Iraqi Division write perscriptions and treat people as they come in for treatment at the Mushada Clinic during a Medical operation conducted with the support of 1-66AR on 2 May. Dentists, surgeons and physician's assistants were on hand to address the various needs of those seeking help.  

TAJI, IRAQ

05.10.2006

Story by Spc. Cal Turner 

4th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office

CAMP TAJI, Iraq " The residents of Mushada were given a second chance to receive free medical care May 2 at the Mushada medical clinic from Iraqi army and Multi-National Division " Baghdad medical personnel.

The medical operation continues the effort to support the reconstruction of the Iraqi infrastructure and system of governance, with the Iraqi army and Coalition Forces working together to provide support for local nationals in the Mushada area.

As part of the civil affairs component of the mission, backpacks and soccer balls were passed out, along with Baghdad newspapers, which provide local information about current events affecting the residents.

"We do these projects all over," said Maj. Herb Joliat, civil affairs officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, "but the people in this area hadn't seen any support from the Ministry of Health. We are here to help with medical supplies and try to fill the void to provide help to the Sunnis who haven't received the help they need."

While this clinic does provide medical assistance to the residents of Mushada, Tarmiya and Taji, said Joliat, it does not provide certain high-level medical services for people, such as surgery and birthing assistance. These needs require local residents to travel to Baghdad for help, which may be a dangerous trip for some.

"The area is very dangerous with all the terrorists," said Dr. Abrahem Jallel, a doctor from the Mushada clinic. "We could use more equipment for people. Right now, we help 30,000 people in the area. This is a big area to cover. Today, we can help maybe 200 people."

Two MND"B doctors, an MND"B female physician's assistant, an Iraqi doctor and four Iraqi medics took part in the operation and helped organize and work with the crowds while Jallel worked within the clinic, helping the visiting medical personnel provide treatment for the locals.

"This was a very good exercise," said Sgt. Maj. Zohair Noori, a medic with 1st Mechanized Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. "There is cooperation with the people and no problems except that there's not enough medicine sometimes."

Future plans for the clinic consist of rebuilding it into a larger full-service hospital, said Joliat.

"A major hospital on a main road can provide the care they need here," he said. "It will provide the people in all directions with care and allow an ambulance to go straight through to Tikrit or Baghdad."

Supplies and the availability of medicine and resources can still be a problem at times.

A local man visited the clinic complaining of a headache he had for more than a month. He said he heard about the opportunity for assistance from Iraqi army soldiers and a city council member and received help for his affliction. Another man was diagnosed with diabetes, received some medicine and was referred to another doctor for help.

Despite the problems, the Iraqi forces felt good about the event.

"It's good practice doing this, and we hope we can be successful," said Pvt. Firas Abnoin, infantryman, 1st Mech. Bde., 9th IA Div. "The people think it's good to get help from the Iraqi army and Iraqi police, with the Americans here as well."

The missions will continue as MND"B Soldiers work to help Iraqi forces conduct civil affairs missions.

"For now, civil affairs operations are a combined effort," said Joliat. "We show them how to do it properly. Also, we try to help through the medical phase and provide resources through reconstruction products. We try to help them understand that there are more ways to help the people than just by providing security."

• Date Taken: 05.10.2006
• Date Posted: 05.10.2006 10:14
• Story ID: 6341
• Location: TAJI, IQ