ISLAMABAD, March 10: After working in adverse weather conditions for five months in the remotest areas of Azad Kashmir and the NWFP devastated by the October 8 earthquake, the Cuban Medical Brigade has taken the decision to leave.

The first group of Cuban professionals arrived in Pakistan on October 14. Today they are present in earthquake-hit Muzaffarabad, Rawalakot and Bagh.

As many as 2,386 doctors, paramedics and back-up staff between the ages of 19 and 71 have focussed day and night on relief.

They are in charge at 39 locations in Azad Kashmir and the NWFP. Out of the 39 units, 32 are Cuban-field hospitals.

Till March 1, the Cuban medical teams had assisted 1,121,442 patients of which 48 per cent were women. They have performed 11,364 operations out of which 4,639 are major surgeries. And it has been difficult work, a Cuban Foreign Office official told Dawn.

“Some of them had never seen snow before because they come from a warm country and were playing in it like little children. Many never lived in tents before and only had the experience of working in proper hospitals. But these men and women have done a remarkable job the way they have served humanity.

“However, they will be leaving behind highly advanced medical equipment. We will make sure that the field hospitals set up in these remote locations continue to function as effectively as they are now,” she said.

The Cuban doctors are in the process of training Pakistani medical staff on how to use sophisticated equipment. The date of their departure has not yet been confirmed but their job is close to done.”

The official also said 14 amputees were taken to Cuba for treatment and rehabilitation and would be returning soon.

“Half of them are children and all are in very good health now. We are also organizing a ceremony to mark the treatment of the one millionth patient in Mansehra treated by the Cuban doctors on Thursday,” the official stated.

She regretted that because their was no Cuban embassy in Pakistan and since strong and intense focus was laid on relief work after their arrival, the Cuban medical teams were unable to maintain continuous contact with the media.

“We are working to change that now because the 14 patients from Cuba will be returning soon and media will be invited.

However, despite vast cultural and traditional differences, the Cuban medical teams in Pakistan have developed excellent relations with the locals in Azad Kashmir and the NWFP.

They have picked up some important words of Urdu language like the words pain ‘dard’ and fever ‘bukhar’. And, its been a privilege serving Pakistanis in need,” she said.