Dr. Amjad Rana, a prominent Pakistani doctor and a social activist based in the capital, has urged fellow doctors – Saudis and expatriates – to volunteer their services and save the lives of millions of people affected by the devastating floods that hit his country recently. Dr. Rana said Pakistani health authorities fear further fatalities may occur if the affected people are not urgently provided with the required medical care and medicine. In view of the grave situation in Pakistan, Medilink Healthcare Ltd., a private company, is arranging to provide doctors and medical supplies for Pakistan on a voluntary basis, Dr. Rana said. “I will lead the group of doctors,” he said. “We are receiving warning calls from Pakistan highlighting the shortage of doctors and medicine required to save flood victims. He said it would be his moral responsibility to respond to these emergencies by leading a delegation of doctors to the flood-hit areas. Doctors of any nationality willing to volunteer their services can accompany the delegation, he said. “I earnestly appeal to fellow doctors, irrespective of their nationalities, to come forward and join a delegation that I plan to take to Pakistan's flood affected areas,” he said. Dr. Rana recalled his previous experience when he led a delegation of doctors from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan, when the country in 2005 was devastated by a massive earthquake. He said that the current situation in Pakistan is even worse with more than 20 million people displaced and requiring urgent health care services. Any doctor interested in voluntary service can call 01-4621255/4621054, 0505246928 (mobile) and register his name for the proposed delegation, Dr. Rana said. He said Medilink Healthcare Ltd. is making efforts to provide medicine, particularly required to treat infections reported to be widespread among people affected by the floods. Dr. Rana has appealed to people to provide medicine, which they have bought and have not used. “People can donate even used medicine, which can save lives in Pakistan,” he said.
