Afghanistan: Fighting Reaches the City Of Lashkar-Gah.

EMERGENCY’S SURGICAL CENTRE FOR WAR VICTIMS HAS RECEIVED DOZENS OF PATIENTS AND ADDED EXTRA BEDS.

The Taliban offensive in Helmand province has led to fighting inside the city of Lashkar-Gah and an influx of patients to EMERGENCY’s Surgical Centre for War Victims in the city.

“There has been very heavy fighting in Lashkar-Gah. We heard bombing from the hospital throughout the night and the morning, plus small arms fire, machine guns, snipers and artillery,” says Viktor Urosevic, EMERGENCY’s Medical Coordinator.

“We received 28 wounded patients since Saturday, and nine people who were already dead on arrival. 13 further patients with less severe injuries were referred to other facilities. We added four extra beds to cope, taking the total number to 98. Despite this, there have been times during the last 24 hours where the hospital was at capacity. Currently, we are 90% full and admitting patients in need of urgent, lifesaving care.”

EMERGENCY has been present in Afghanistan since 1999 with two Surgical Centres for War Victims in Kabul and Lashkar-Gah, a Surgical & Paediatric Centre and a Maternity Centre in Anabah, Panjshir Valley, and a network of 44 First Aid Posts.

EMERGENCY is an independent, neutral organisation, founded in 1994 to offer free, high-quality medical and surgical treatment to victims of war, landmines and poverty. Since then EMERGENCY has treated over 11 million people: one every minute. EMERGENCY promotes a culture of peace, solidarity and respect for human rights.