When we Rawlakot we headed for the camps around the periphery of Rawlakot. The first camp we visited was at Ali Sojal, where a committee of our local comrades had already announced the setting up of the medical camp. As we reached the camp we could see that many people had come for treatment. The people there were suffering from viral influenza, malaria and injuries inflicted by earthquake. Many people complained that there had been no real relief effort so far.
The second camp was organized at Khai Gala, where our comrades were very well organized. On the way to Khai Gala, we saw a large queue of people waiting for food and other necessities. We saw an old woman who was standing beside an army relief truck. She told us that after waiting 5 hours in the queue she only managed to get a packet of biscuits and a small container of milk with which she had to feed her whole family! Before we reached Khai Gala, our comrades had already managed to organize a medical camp with under the banner of the “Revolutionary Solidarity Medical Camp”. The people at the camp were very depressed and demoralized given that many had nothing left. Many children came explaining that they could not sleep at night. While we were examining the patients our local comrades were holding discussion with the people and distributing the paper “Tabqati Jadojehd” (Class Struggle). Many people expressed their angry at the local authorities and the army who are doing nothing except managing the barracks and sitting around indifferently.
The third camp we visited was at Koh Kot where again the comrades had already organized everything. When we reached the camp we received a warm welcome because many of the people there already knew most of our comrades. Everyone knew that the comrades were not simply relief workers and knew them through the political work they have done in the past. We treated people here for infections, injuries, and psychological trauma.
The fourth camp we visited was at Dattot, where our comrades are also very well organized and where they had also set up a committee to coordinate the relief and rescue operations there. They fact that they continue doing their revolutionary work in these dire circumstances shows their concrete commitment. The victims of the earthquake were extremely thankful for all the selfless work that the comrades have done in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Our work treating the victims of the earthquake continues. Over the past little while we have managed to treat more than 1500 people in the camps around Rawlakot and Bagh. This included treatments for infections, injuries, psychological trauma, as well as some surgeries.
The comrades have done an excellent job in organizing and maintaining the medical and relief camps. There are many thousands of people who still need medical treatment, and who still need shelter, food, and water. The earthquake has been truly devastating. The PTUDC has been able to maintain its relief efforts thanks to the generous donations we have received from around the world. Our relief efforts are long term, and the devastating effects of this earthquake will be felt for a long time to come. We appeal again to all those who can, to donate whatever possible to help those who need it most.
With revolutionary greetings,
Dr. Haresh and Dr. Aziz YFIS (Sindh)
To see the photos of the PTUDC’s medical camps, please click here.