Pakistan seeks IFRC help in artificial limb technology

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday sought assistance from the International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) and the Red Crescent Societies in artificial limbs technology for thousands of injured, who had to undergo amputations after the Oct 8 earthquake.
In a meeting with IFRC Secretary-General Markku Dapani Niskala, Foreign Minister Khurshid Kasuri called for sharing the federation's expertise in helping build Pakistan's capacity in prosthesis.
The foreign minister appreciated the federation's commitment and support to Pakistan in the relief efforts and their humanitarian efforts in the disaster areas. Apart from focus on shelter, tents and medical supply to the affected people, Kasuri also discussed the long-term recovery and rehabilitation of the affected people.
They also discussed the Donors Conference for mobilisation of international support for reconstruction on Nov 19 in Islamabad. The IFRC secretary-general would also participate in the Conference.
Niskala said the federation was working in a well-coordinated way with the government, Pakistan Red Crescent Society and other UN teams. A meeting of the IFRC has been convened in Seoul to highlight the scale of the disaster and the need for support and resources.
The IFRC is planning to launch an appeal for additional funds for Relief and Reconstruction, he told the foreign minister.

Directory of Medical Schools in Pakistan

The Institute for International Medical Education has a directory of Medical Schools in Pakistan on its website.

Pakistan Quake: Artificial Limbs for Victims

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Usman and I work as an International Trade Analyst for a law firm in Washington, DC.

As you may know, a 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck close to Muzaffarabad in Pakistan-administered Kashmir on 8 October. The earthquake has cause widespread destruction in the area and has affected many in India and Pakistan. There are now reports of over 50,000 confirmed deaths and devastation that may take a decade to repair. The World Food Programme says some 500,000 people in remote areas have received no aid at all. One of the biggest problems is meeting the demand for tents that can provide shelter as the cold weather worsens.

I have been involved in the relief effort - both in terms of raising funds and collecting/shipping goods and supplies to Pakistan. My family, working out of Pakistan, has recently informed me that an area overlooked is the need for Artificial Limbs for Victims. The Federal Health Minister, Muhammad Nasir Khan, has reiterated government's decision not to send any injured person of the earthquake abroad for treatment. This means that any demand for artificial limbs will be met by imports and possible local production. Therefore, I am writing to you to find out if you, or someone you know, would be interested in setting up an artificial limb manufacturing facility in Pakistan for the benefit of the earthquake victims.

There are a few specific things I need help with:

1. What is the cost of setting up such a facility?
2. Do you know of any manufacturer in the United States that may like to collaborate with the Pakistanis on this?
   

I am in a position to connect you directly with people on the ground in Pakistan, and also with policy makers working on the relief effort out of Islamabad.

Please email me back at usmankhosa@gmail.com if you could provide any assistance in this matter. Also, in case you are unable to help or provide information, please forward this to someone who may be able to help.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Usman Khosa