Muzaffarabad - Head of PKPU Medical Team, Dr. AMir Zuhdi, MHA accompanied by Indonesian Student Coordinator Abdul Kholiq Saman, BA held a medical action by providing health service in mountainous area in Muzaffarabad, Kashmir, Wednesday (October 26, 2005).

The action started from 09.00 a.m. up to 03.00 p.m. local time received warm welcome from earthquake victims in Muzaffarabad. The number of patients reached the highest number since humanitarian  action was organized in Pakistan, namely 78 people. Most of the patients suffered from muscle illness.

This happened because the refugee had a tiring journey in loading foodstuffs. They have to travel 22 km from Muzaffarabad to their place of living in mountainous areas just to take foodstuffs for winter supply.

The second largest patients were those who suffered from stomach disorder. This happened because of irregularity in taking meal and lack of hygienic food consumed. While the children mostly suffered from diarrhea  due to unclean surrounding environment. Thirteen other people had broken bones, either thigh, hands or lavicula.

A day before, PKPU Humanitarian Rescue Team Boy Muslim accompanied by Syahril Bukit received a cooperation offer from IHH Turkey President to build a joint hospitals in Muzaffarabad and other regions in Pakistan in the long term, for at least 2 years.

PKPU was asked to provide two doctors, while IHH would provide accommodation in the form of tents, medicines, and mobile clinic. However, this requires further discussion and coordination.

Even though the actions done is quite tiring, the volunteers are conscious  in implementing the holy duties. One of the volunteers, Romzy Mujtahid Da’wah said,” I was touched when I saw a child with his broken thumb still kept on smiling and happy, as if he showed his firmness. In fact, he was severely suffered from pain. From then on,  my spirit grows,” he said.

Another PKPU volunteer, Hasan Juhanis said, “I was really touched when I saw the refugees slept on a newspaper and dirty cloth. They also eat any food what is available,” Hasan said. “This makes my heart moves to try providing my best,” Hasan added.

Indonesian Student Coordinator Abdul Kholik Saman, BA expressed his happiness on the cooperation established between PKPU Humanitarian Team and Indonesian students. “I have gained so many experiences on my participation in this humanitarian team. The team has indeed shoed us a very good performance. We can learn a lot from PKPU Humanitarian Team,” said Abdul Kholik.

Another thing that makes volunteers feel at home is a warm and open behavior  of the people in the refugee camps. They sometimes give food or just greet and have a chat with volunteers. PKPU Humanitarian Team was really treated well. (acep/pkpu)

Report of PKPU Humanitarian Team, Hilman Hakiem, SP directly from Pakistan