« Iraqis Rebuild Bridge Once Ruined
Ameriya Technical High School Offers Opportunities for New Generation »

House Calls: Iraqi, Coalition Doctors Work Together to Treat Hundreds Of Iraqi’s

Saturday, 26 July 2008

Dr. Dhea Mijwal Shami Maadahidi, 38, a surgeon and manager of the Rutbah General Hospital in Rubah, Iraq, checks the mouth of a child during a cooperative medical engagement in Akashat, Iraq, July 23, 2008. The Baghdad native was one of three medical specialists working with Coalition forces to provide the town with health care. During the event, surgeons and corpsmen were assisted by Iraqi doctors to treat sicknesses ranging from measles to the flu. Photo by Cpl. Ryan Tomlinson, Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs.

Dr. Dhea Mijwal Shami Maadahidi, 38, a surgeon and manager of the Rutbah General Hospital in Rubah, Iraq, checks the mouth of a child during a cooperative medical engagement in Akashat, Iraq, July 23, 2008. The Baghdad native was one of three medical specialists working with Coalition forces to provide the town with health care. During the event, surgeons and corpsmen were assisted by Iraqi doctors to treat sicknesses ranging from measles to the flu. Photo by Cpl. Ryan Tomlinson, Regimental Combat Team-5, 1st Marine Division Public Affairs.

 

AKASHAT — Navy surgeons and corpsmen with 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 5 and 3rd Marine Air Wing (Forward) worked with Iraqi doctors to provide medical services here, July 23–24.“We wanted to provide these people with medical care that they aren’t able to get without traveling far away,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Kevin Heingarten, 34, a unit corpsman from Jacksonville, N.C. “It’s a blessing these people have needed for a long time, and we wanted to provide them with that.”

During the event, surgeons and corpsmen were assisted by Iraqi doctors to treat sicknesses ranging from measles to the flu. More than 200 citizens were seen during the event, and the Marines and Sailors had candy and toys to hand out to the children.

“The doctors have done a great job treating the people of Akashat,” said Jalal Muhammad Kabole, 30, local resident. “When they come here and bring medicine to serve to the people, it brings us another step toward becoming a better town. I thank them for all of their help.”

The town is safeguarded by the Iraqi Police and Marines with Delta Company. Since arriving in theatre, Delta Co. has been able to assist the police department in keeping the streets safe. According to some servicemembers, this operation is another step in making the town one of the safest in Iraq.

There are plans to provide more towns with medical care. The doctors and corpsmen returned to their units and hospitals knowing they made a difference in the lives of the people.

“It’s good for the people because we see how they are sick and hurt,” said Lance Cpl. Alex L. Crane, 19, a scout from Middletown, Md., with Delta Co. “It’s an opportunity for them to get care they normally can’t get. It was an honor to be a part of this project.”

(Story by Cpl. Ryan L. Tomlinson, Regimental Combat Team – 5)

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 27th, 2008 at 2:20 AM and is filed under Iraq Up Dates. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

Comments are closed.