SAF MEDICAL TEAM LEAVES FOR INDONESIA TO HELP EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

A 54-strong medical team from the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) left for Indonesia on 3 Oct in four Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) C-130 aircraft to provide medical aid to the victims of the earthquake which struck West Sumatra on 30 Sep.

Upon arrival, the SAF team immediately proceeded to Pariaman to set up their medical facility. Pariaman is a coastal town 50 km north of Padang and has been identified as being closest to the epicentre of the quake.

The SAF medical team is led by Lieutenant-Colonel Mohamad Rosman and comprises orthopaedic and general surgeons, anaesthetists, medics and nurses. Three doctors and four nurses from the Ministry of Health (MOH) are also in the team.

The SAF medical team will provide primary healthcare as well as perform surgery. They will work closely with the Indonesian National Defence Forces (TNI) and Indonesian authorities, as well as international and non-governmental organisations to provide medical assistance to those affected by the earthquake.

On 2 Oct, two RSAF C-130s flew a 42-member Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) team to Padang to assist in ongoing rescue operations. A third RSAF C-130 transported US$50,000 worth of temporary shelters, blankets and medical supplies for the earthquake victims in Padang.

For related content, visit the SAF's Humanitarian Assistance for Sumatra Earthquake website, cyberpioneer Flickr gallery and cyberpioneerTV YouTube channel.