Posted on 05/09/2006 4:53:57 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP TAJI, Iraq (Army News Service, May 9, 2006) – The residents of Mushada were recently offered free medical care from Iraqi army and Multi-National Division – Baghdad medical personnel at the Mushada medical clinic.
The medical operation is a continuation of support for Iraq’s reconstruction, with the Iraqi army and coalition forces working together to assist locals in the Mushada area.
“We do these projects all over,” said Maj. Herb Joliat, civil affairs officer, Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, “but the people in this area hadn’t seen any support from the Ministry of Health.”
While the clinic provides some medical assistance to the residents of Mushada, Tarmiya and Taji, it doesn’t provide such high-level services as surgery and birthing assistance, Joliat said. These needs require residents to make the dangerous trip to Baghdad.
“The area is very dangerous with all the terrorists,” said Dr. Abrahem Jallel, a doctor at the Mushada clinic. “We could also use more equipment. Right now, we help 30,000 people in the area. Today, we can help maybe 200 people.”
Two MND–B doctors, an MND–B female physician’s assistant, an Iraqi doctor and four Iraqi medics took part in the operation. They helped organize and work with the crowds, while Jallel provided treatment inside the clinic.
“This was a very good exercise,” said Sgt. Maj. Zohair Noori, a medic with 1st Mechanized Brigade, 9th Iraqi Army Division. “There is cooperation with the people and no problems except that there’s not enough medicine sometimes.”
Joliot said future plans for the clinic include rebuilding it into a full-service facility.
“A major hospital on a main road would provide the care they need here,” he said. “It will provide the people in all directions with care, and allow an ambulance to go straight through to Tikrit or Baghdad.”
Among residents receiving help were a man with complaints of a headache that had lasted more than a month and a resident who’d been diagnosed with diabetes.
“It’s good practice doing this, and we hope we can be successful,” said Pvt. Firas Abnoin, infantryman, 1st Mech. Bde., 9th IA Div. “The people think it’s good to get help from the Iraqi army and Iraqi police, with the Americans here as well.”
As part of the civil-affairs component of the mission, backpacks and soccer balls were passed out, along with Baghdad newspapers reporting local information and current events.
The missions will continue as MND–B Soldiers work to help Iraqi forces conduct civil-affairs missions.
“There are more ways to help the people than just by providing security,” Joliat said.
(Editor’s note: Spc. C. Terrell Turner writes for the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, Public Affairs Office.)
1 BCT, 4 ID in IRAQ NEWS; Something for families back home to be proud of.
Progress being made! Good on all those making things happen there. Prayers for the safety of these good people trying to make a positive difference.
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