US Is Launching Largest Humanitarian Assistance Medical Project in Georgia
September 14th, 2007 marks the commencement of the largest Single United States Humanitarian Assistance Medical Project for Georgia since its independence.
The program, “Operation Provide Hope” ( OPH), sponsored by the Department of State Office of the Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia, represents a special coordination effort by the US Government and the public and private sector.
The project consists of two main elements: the airlift of approximately $ 11 million of medicines and supplies and the surface shipment of approximately $ 13.6 million in medical equipment and supplies. The total value of this humanitarian assistance project, including costs to cover shipping expenses is $ 25 million.
In all, 65 forty foot shipping containers of medical equipment and supplies will be distributed to hospitals in Tbilisi. Examples of equipment to be provided include operating room tables, anesthesia and ventilators, surgical instruments, X-ray, laboratory, central sterilization and supplies such as bandages, needles and sutures. United States military medical personnel from European Command will coordinate and oversee the reception, distribution and installation of the donated medical equipment and supplies at each hospital and provide the necessary training to local hospital personnel that will utilize the equipment. The project is expected to be completed by 20 October 2007.
This Humanitarian Assistance Project is fully coordinated with the Ministry of Health and the Office of the State Minister on Economic Reforms. The medical equipment and supplies will be distributed to the following hospitals:
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Gudushauri National Medical Center
- National Center of Tuberculosis and Pulmonary Disease
- Iashvili Children’s Central Hospital
- St. Joakim/ St. Ann Maternity Hospital
- Kipshidze Tbilisi State Medical University Central Clinic
The C-17 aircraft is carrying medicines that will be distributed throughout Georgia. These medicines include antibiotics, anti-infective drugs, vitamins, cardiovescular drugs, psychotherapeutics, analgesics, hypertensions, ophthalmologic, respiratory treatment, and gastrointestinal. This airlift, funded by the Department of State, celebrates the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Private Voluntary Organization (PVO) Project HOPE, who for the most part obtained these newly manufactured medicines from U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturers. The airlifted medicines and supplies, all certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have been accepted by the Ministry of Health and Distribution coordinated by the PVO United Methodist Committee on Relief ( UMCOR) Other PVO’s participating in this project include A Call To Serve (ACTS) who is celebrating their 15th year as a PVO working in Georgia, Hellinicare, celebrating their 10th anniversary working in Georgia, International Relief and Development (IRD), and Counterpart International.
Mr. Thomas C. Adams, State Department Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia leads the delegation of U.S. government and PVO’s onboard the C-17 aircraft. Most representatives will remain in Georgia for several days to observe the distribution of medicines and medical equipment and supplies. |
