Indian peacekeepers help displaced in Haiti

doctorsUnited Nations, Jan 17 : Indian doctors have reached out to hundreds of Haitians who remain displaced because of the deadly earthquake that hit the Caribbean island more than three years ago.

The doctors are serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) and form the medical wing of the Indian Formed Police Unit or FPU.

Joined by others from Bangladesh, Egypt and Jordan, the Indians provided medical care to nearly 600 Haitians.

The recipients of the medical care reside in the 'Carradeux' displaced persons camp in the capital Port-au-Prince, a UN statement said.

This medical outreach programme has helped vulnerable people who do not have regular access to a doctor.

The doctors provided consultations and/or treatment for ailments that included skin infections, diarrhoea and venereal diseases. They also took care of hygiene advice to patients, the statement added.

India currently provides more than 450 uniformed personnel to the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

The January 2010 earthquake, the Haiti government estimated, had killed upwards of 300,000 people.(IANS)