A massive earthquake in Myanmar has triggered a desperate bid for medical supplies, with the death toll rising to 1,644 and relief efforts facing significant challenges.
The estimated death toll from the massive earthquake that struck Myanmar and Thailand on Friday has risen to 1,644 by Sunday afternoon. The number of injured was at 3,408, while the missing figure rose to 139. Relief efforts are focused on Myanmar, where food, medicine, and other vital supplies have reached the country.
Rescue efforts have been hampered by a severe shortage of medical supplies, including trauma kits, blood bags, anesthetics, assistive devices, essential medicine, and tents to house health workers. A report issued Saturday by the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs highlighted the need for these critical items.
Medical supplies are crucial in healthcare settings, providing essential equipment and materials for patient care.
These include gloves, masks, syringes, bandages, and wound dressings.
Statistics show that medical errors due to inadequate supplies can lead to serious consequences.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 10 patients is harmed by a medical error.
Ensuring an adequate supply of medical equipment and materials is vital for maintaining patient safety and quality care.
A convoy of 17 Chinese cargo trucks carrying critical shelter and medical supplies was expected to reach Mandalay on Sunday. China has sent more than 135 rescue personnel and experts, as well as supplies like medical kits, generators, earthquake detectors, and drones. Hong Kong has dispatched 51 search-and-rescue personnel and equipment, while Russia has flown in 120 rescuers and supplies. India has sent a field hospital unit and personnel to establish a 60-bed emergency treatment center.
The number of countries providing aid is growing by the hour. South Korea will provide $2 million in humanitarian aid through international organizations, while Winston Peters, Foreign Minister of New Zealand, said his government would support relief efforts ‘via the International Red Cross Movement.’ The European Commission has released 2.5 million euros ($2.7 million) in initial emergency assistance to assist with earthquake relief.
Aid refers to financial assistance provided by one country or organization to another, often in the form of grants, loans, or technical support.
The primary goal of aid is to promote economic development and alleviate poverty in recipient countries.
According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), official development assistance (ODA) from developed countries totaled $150 billion in 2020.
Aid can take various forms, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and capacity building programs.
The U.N. humanitarian affairs office has mobilized with other groups and $5 million has been allocated from a Central Emergency Response Fund for ‘life-saving assistance.’ The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has released 2 million Swiss francs ($2.2 million) in emergency funds to support the organization’s work in Myanmar.
Hospitals are struggling to cope with the influx of injured people, there is a shortage of medical supplies, and people are struggling to find food and clean water. As one aid worker said, ‘hospitals are really struggling to cope with the influx of injured people, there’s a shortage of medical supplies, and people are struggling to find food and clean water.’
