MERCY Malaysia collaborated with Pattan Development Organisation on delivering of semi-permanent shelters, ‘winter warmth’ and Livelihood Project items to beneficiaries in Balakot and Kaghan Valley, Pakistan.

MERCY Malaysia participated in ‘Operation Winter Race’ in November 2006. We distributed winterised tents and blankets worth USD $100, 000 (RM 376, 695) to 2,000 displaced person in Bagh, Pakistan.

As an extension to the ‘Operation Winter Race’, MERCY Malaysia had collaborated with Pattan Development Organisation on 16 December until 20 February 2006 where we distributed much needed semi-permanent shelters and ‘winter warmth’ items worth USD $50, 000 (RM 190, 000) to more than 4, 000 beneficiaries in Balakot and Kaghan Valley area.

Our local partners in Pakistan, Pattan Development Organisation, assisted in identifying and facilitating distribution of these items.

Semi-permanent shelters are vital as to provide adequate protection against the harsh elements of Pakistan winter. Together with Pattan Development Organisation, MERCY Malaysia volunteer teams distributed and helped beneficiaries to build these semi-permanent shelters at Jalora Village, Jabi Village, Arban Village, Patlung 1 Village, Patlung Bala, Patlung Naka and Gali Achari.

Semi-permanent shelters distributed in Patlung Naka and Gali Achari was funded by the Association of Pakistani Women in Malaysia through the South Asia Earthquake Disaster Appeal (SAEDA).

Addition to the semi-permanent shelters, items such as gas stoves, winter clothes and shoes were also distributed.

As part of MERCY Malaysia’s Livelihood Project, we provided sewing machines and handicraft kits worth USD $5 000 (RM 19, 000) to 80 women and men of Jabi Village, Arban Village, Jahngari Village and Pattan Pori Camp,

As to date, MERCY Malaysia continues to expand its relief services in Pakistan with its most recent deployment of two (2) medical volunteers to Bagh on 8 March 2006. They are to assist Bagh District Hospital Quarters (DHQ) staff and provide medical support to the assigned mobile clinics at Bhount and Bagh.

In total, MERCY Malaysia has deployed 118 volunteers to Pakistan since 10 October 2005, out of which 77 medical and 41 non-medical volunteers.

MERCY Malaysia is still providing medical relief and rehabilitation in Bagh, Pakistan with our core services being surgeries at PIMA field hospital, Obstetric and Gynaecology specialist services at Bagh District Hospital Quarters (DHQ), Primary Health Care in mobile clinics at Kharal Maldialan, Bisuti, Kharal Panyali, Nurigala and Bani Minasha and Mental Health Support programmes in Bagh.