Saudi Ambassador Ali Awadh Asseri bade farewell to the staff of the Saudi Field Hospital, who left Pakistan after working in the earthquake-devastated areas for nearly two years. He hosted a dinner at his residence for the Saudi medical staff Friday night. Setting up of the Saudi Field Hospital at Mansehra (North West Frontier Province) was part of the relief assistance ordered by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz. The hospital comprised all major medical sections including an emergency room, ICU, two operation threatres, outpatient ward, laboratory, X-Ray, ultra-sound and pharmacy facilities. The Saudi staff, possessing extensive medical and technical expertise, managed it. A tent village was also set up by the Saudi Relief Mission for the benefit of those who had lost their homes in the wake of the October 2005 killer quake. "It is a matter of pride and honour for the Saudi medical team that almost a million people visited the Saudi hospital since it commenced operation," Asseri said in his dinner speech. "We were the first one to land here after the earthquake struck the northern region of Pakistan and we are the last one to leave," the ambassador said, adding that upon instructions from King Abdullah, the Saudi Field Hospital has been gifted to the government and people of Pakistan so that it continues to serve Pakistani brothers and sisters in the quake-stricken areas, who may be in need of medical attendance.
