SAF MEDICAL PERSONNEL RETURN FROM INDONESIA

The 43-member medical team from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) on a humanitarian assistance mission to Bantul, Indonesia returned on 7 Jun.

An earthquake measuring 6.2 on the Ritcher scale devastated the region on 27 May and claimed the lives of about 6,000 people.

The SAF responded immediately by deploying a 35-member medical team to Yogyakarta. The team arrived within 24 hours of the earthquake. They were reinforced by a second team of eight SAF doctors on 31 May.

Working closely with personnel from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) and the Indonesian authorities, the medical team treated more than 1,400 patients and performed over 32 surgeries during the mission.

Commented Lieutenant-Colonel Mohd Ramezan, mission commander of the SAF team: "The number of patients was high enough to keep us occupied from morning till evening, but our close collaboration with the SCDF and TNI (Indonesian National Defence Forces) allowed us to treat the patients effectively."

Besides providing medical aid, the SAF's C-130 and Fokker 50 aircraft also transported relief supplies like tents, blankets, sleeping bags and medical supplies from the Singapore government to Yogjakarta.

Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean, who was at Paya Lebar Air Base with families of the team members to welcome the returning personnel home, was very pleased with their accomplishments.

He said: "I wish to thank all of you on behalf of Singapore and all Singaporeans for the good work that you have done."

While the earthquake and aftershocks have ceased, there is a growing concern that Mount Merapi, one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia located near Yogyakarta, may erupt as a result of the earthquake's tremors.

Mr Teo said that should the need arise, the SAF would be ready to offer assistance to Indonesia.

"We will see what kind of assistance Indonesia needs if that [eruption] was to occur," said Mr Teo, "and if they do require assistance, then of course, we will extend to them the appropriate assistance."