Saudi Arabia has handed over a fully equipped field hospital to the Pakistan government. The hospital, which was established in Post Graduate College Mansehra in the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) to cater to earthquake victims, comprised 40 beds and furnished with modern and state-of-the-art medical equipment. The handing over ceremony in Mansehra was attended by Minister for Health Muhammad Nasir Khan, Health Secretary Syed Anwar Mehmood and Saudi Ambassador Ali Saeed Awadh Al-Assiri. Khan said on the occasion that soon after October 8 2005 earthquake, the government of Saudi Arabia was among those countries which immediately provided relief assistance to the quake victims. He said Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have always enjoyed a unique relationship. The minister recalled the directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz to establish an air bridge of relief items for the quake victims. Khan said Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy brotherly relations, which are further strengthening day by day. He said these relations are time-tested. He appreciated the efforts of doctors and paramedical staff and said that Saudi relief mission remained in the forefront in the relief efforts. Khan said international community and United Nations agencies acknowledged the efforts of Pakistan government for properly handling the situation after the earthquake. He said soon after earthquake, the Health ministry had mobilized 27,000 doctors, nurses and paramedics to help the quake survivors. The minister said in order to compensate for destroyed health infrastructure, field hospitals and camps were arranged with cooperation of international agencies and health professionals from all over the country and abroad. The Saudi Ambassador said that sending relief assistance to the quake affected areas is a proof that Saudi Arabia considers Pakistan its brotherly country. He said after the earthquake that caused loss of lives and property, the government of Saudi Arabia had tried to share this great loss with the government of Pakistan. The diplomat said the setting up of the field hospital in Mansehra reflects love and affection between the two countries. He said Saudi Arabia had provided maximum medical care to the quake victims through this field hospital. The field hospital handed over to Pakistan is equipped with all facilities including emergency room, ICU, two operation rooms five general clinics, gynec clinic, ENT clinic, a dressing room, a laboratory, a pharmacy etc. As many as 1,500 patients visit the hospital daily.
