PESHAWAR: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) successfully concluded the 1st emergency preparedness & wounded care conference.

The two-day training event brought together 90 healthcare professionals, including doctors, paramedic staff, and first responders, who participated in specialised training focused on enhancing emergency preparedness and providing care for the wounded, said a press release, here on Friday.

The conference was aimed at equipping healthcare workers with the skills and knowledge necessary to respond more effectively during emergencies, particularly in areas affected by conflict and natural disasters.

During the closing ceremony, Nicolas Lambert, head of delegation for ICRC Pakistan said that the moot was an important milestone in their collective efforts to strengthen the preparedness of healthcare systems in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and merged districts. He said that by gathering experts, practitioners, and stakeholders, they aimed to advance collaboration and share best practices in emergency care.

Currently the ICRC is supporting emergency departments of DHQ Bajaur, Parachinar, and Type D hospital Jamrud. Recently THQ Sadda and DHQ Miran Shah were also supported with medical supplies. Additionally, the ICRC began supporting primary healthcare at four BHUs in Khyber and Upper Kurram. As of now, around 20,000 patients have been treated for various health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, and antenatal care.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr Khalil, the Chief of Health Sector Reforms Unit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, expressed his gratitude to the ICRC for its continuous support in strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure.

He commended the ICRC for its invaluable support in enhancing the capacity of the health infrastructure and the skills of healthcare staff.

At the closing ceremony, participants emphasised the importance of such training programmes in improving their ability to respond effectively during humanitarian crises. Many noted that these skills were vital for saving lives in high-risk situations, particularly in conflict-affected areas.

Published in Dawn, November 16th, 2024