The Canadian Red Cross
mobile field hospital is now on its way to Nepal, where it will provide medical care to people affected by the recent earthquake. More than 20 Canadian aid workers are being deployed to Nepal to staff the hospital.
These boxes contain all the components of the Canadian Red Cross field hospital.
In Nepal, the field hospital will focus on maternal, newborn and child health.
The field hospital is kept in a warehouse where it's ready to be deployed quickly when a disaster strikes.
All the components of the mobile field hospital are being shipped from Canada by air to Nepal.
Red Cross aid workers including doctors, nurses and other support staff met in Ottawa for a briefing prior to their departure.
Canadian aid workers preparing to leave for Nepal met with the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of International Development and La Francophonie.
Red Cross aid workers are
highly trained and ready to face the challenges of helping people in the days following a major disaster.
The hospital is modular and can be set up in different configurations to best meet the needs in a disaster. The field hospital will focus on maternal and child health, with a fully functioning operating theatre for complicated deliveries.
The team's first task upon arrival will be to set up the hospital as current healthcare facilities in Nepal are overcrowded as a result of the earthquake.
How Canadians can help
We’ve heard from many Canadians who are moved by the devastation caused by the earthquake and who want to help in a meaningful way.
The most effective way to help during international disasters is to make a
monetary donation. While offers of clothing, blankets, tents and other items are generous and well-meaning, these donations can quickly become a burden to aid agencies. Transportation is very costly. Items may not be needed or culturally appropriate. In addition, purchasing items in the affected region helps support the local economy, often battered as a result of the disaster.
You can
donate online with a credit card or Paypal, call toll-free at 1-800-418-1111, text REDCROSS to 45678 to donate $10 right from your phone, or get in touch with us if you're interested in organizing a
fundraiser.
The Canadian government also announced that it will be matching eligible donations from April 25 to May 25.
You can also help us spread the word about the great humanitarian needs in Nepal by sharing updates like this one on your social media networks.
The Government of Canada is matching eligible donations for relief efforts in #Nepal. Donate to @redcrosscanada now.
Thank you for your support!