International SOS Responds to Myanmar Cyclone
Published May 30th, 2008
YANGON, Myanmar - In the wake of Cyclone Nargis, the International SOS Yangon Clinic in Myanmar continues to assist clients — including businesses, NGOs, Embassies and private citizens — with their health and security needs. This work has included advising aid organizations such as the World Health Organization, UNICEF and others on post-disaster health risks, caring for members with disaster-related illnesses, and helping to locate missing employees.
Specifically, since the cyclone, International SOS has: — Met with organizations and embassies in Myanmar to advise them on post-disaster water and food safety issues, how to avoid illnesses and stay healthy. — Provided medical care to approximately 50 patients with disaster-related illnesses and injuries such as diarrhea, asthma, and rashes and cuts obtained while clearing debris. — Helped more than 10 companies, organizations and private members track their missing employees, family members and friends. — Kept aviation and operations teams at the ready to respond to requests for medical or security evacuations.
“After a disaster of this magnitude, diseases and other medical issues are likely to arise,” said Olivier Cattin, MD, the French-born chief medical officer of International SOS’ Clinic in Yangon. “We have been fortunate that there has not yet been an outbreak of cholera, typhoid, malaria, or dengue fever in Yangon or the delta.”
The clinic did sustain minor damages during the cyclone, but has been repaired and remains open and fully operational, staffed by doctors and nurses at all times. The staff at the clinic includes two doctors (one locum American doctor and one Myanmar National), four nurses, one radiographer, and one lab technician (all Myanmar Nationals).
International SOS Singapore, the lead crisis center in Asia, is also seeking to reinforce the team in Yangon with the addition of doctors and operational staff. To date, Dr. Cattin was successful in reaching the clinic after the Cyclone occurred, arriving on May 7 with additional medication and other supplies to continue much needed assistance to International SOS members.
The International SOS Yangon Clinic opened in 1990 and has been operating continuously since. Clients of the clinic include companies in the oil and gas, and energy, mining, and infrastructure industries, as well as travel and hospitality sectors. During times of normal operation, the clinic offers a pharmacy, diagnostic services, an ambulance, and 24-hour emergency services to its members in Myanmar.
Ongoing medical and safety advice and assistance, as well as crisis decision support will continue to be provided 24 hours via the International SOS network of alarm centres around the world. International SOS continues to do all it can to provide assistance to its clients, members and the victims.
About International SOS
Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) helps organizations manage the health and safety risks facing their travelers and global workforce. Its services range from consultancy and planning services to 24-hour medical and security advice and assistance. It also provides emergency medical and security evacuations when there is a critical illness, accident or civil unrest. Last year, the company handled over 810,000 assistance cases, including more than 16,000 evacuations.
Web site: http://www.internationalsos.com/
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