SENATOR JOHN FAULKNER
Minister for Defence
Sunday, 22 August 2010
83/2010
Australian Government deploys medical task force to Pakistan
Australia is deploying medical teams to Pakistan on Monday, 23 August from
RAAF Base Amberley, to provide health services to communities affected by
the unprecedented floods. This deployment builds on the $35 million worth of
assistance Australia has already provided.
This joint operation between AusAID and the Australian Defence Force will
contribute to the Pakistan Government and international community’s efforts
to help address growing health concerns in Pakistan including outbreaks of
water borne diseases.
The Medical Task Force, called the Joint Inter-Agency Medical Task Force
(JIAMTF) will establish a medical facility near Kot Addu, in the vicinity of
Multan, in the Muzaffar Garh District of the Punjab Province.
The medical teams will comprise Defence and civilians, including doctors,
nurses, paramedics and support personnel, drawn from state health agencies
and are being coordinated by the Australian Government through Emergency
Management Australia.
“Australia is a good friend of Pakistan and we stand ready to provide
whatever assistance we can. The medical teams will provide essential and
immediate primary health care to treat people in central Pakistan and help
prevent the spread of disease,” said the Minister for Foreign Affairs and
Trade, Stephen Smith.
In-conjunction with AusAID, Defence is providing its strategic airlift aircraft,
the C-17 Globemaster, to move the contingent from Brisbane to Multan
International Airfield.
The Minister for Defence, Senator John Faulkner said the JIAMTF was
prepared to operate for an extended period in Pakistan but would maintain
close links with the Government of Pakistan to ensure it was providing
support for only as long as required.
“Our people will be operating under challenging conditions. The Task Force
will apply a range of preventive and force protection measures so they can
complete their mission safely.”
“Australia is currently focused on the immediate needs of the Pakistani
people, but we will also assist with the recovery and reconstruction task,” Mr
Smith said.
The Minister for Defence, Senator Faulkner, has sought and received the
agreement of his Opposition counterpart Senator Johnston on the
commitment of Australian Defence Force assets to the relief efforts in
Pakistan.
Media contacts:
Colin Campbell (John Faulkner):
02 6277 7800 or 0407 787 181
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
