Chief Joint Operations visits troops in Pakistan

Chief Joint Operations visits troops in Pakistan

The Chief of Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Mark Evans, visited Australian troops at Camp Cockatoo in the flood affected region of Kot Addu, central Pakistan yesterday.

Lieutenant General Evans walked the grounds of Camp Cockatoo and toured the temporary Health Centre to gain an appreciation of the conditions in which his people are serving.

“I am saddened by the suffering this country has experienced as a result of the devastating July floods,” Lieutenant General Evans said, “but also heartened by the compassion shown by the Australian Medical Task Force as they go about their duties in treating our Pakistani friends.”

Lieutenant General Evans also met with the Commander of the Pakistan Military’s
General Officer Commanding Multan, Major General Nadir Zaib, and thanked him for his troops’ support to the Australian Medical Task Force.

After meeting with the civilian and military medical specialists and other significant elements supporting Operation PAKISTAN ASSIST II, Lieutenant General Evans addressed the entire Medical Task Force.

“I am impressed with what you have already achieved in the short period of time you have been on the ground,” said Lieutenant General Evans, “and I am particularly pleased to see the branches of Army, Navy, Air Force, Australian Medical Assistance Team, AusAID, and Emergency Management Australia working in such an integrated manner. You have the support of everyone at home and I thank you for your continued efforts on such an important operation.”

The Task Force is working together to provide primary health care which is similar to a general health practice. Health care includes maternal and children’s health, a ward for day treatment, basic diagnostic services including x-ray and pathology, a pharmacy and a preventative health program.

The health centre in Kot Addu is part of the wider Australian Government package of assistance to Pakistan in the wake of the floods.

ENDS

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