SINHALA ARMY SHALL REPRESENT TAMIL IDPs!!! WHAT A CRUELTY AND SHAME!!!???

Programme to calm disturbed IDPs needed – JCPSM
by Dilanthi Jayamanne

A special programme should be implemented to stabilise the mentality of internally displaced persons in welfare camps after their ordeal with the LTTE, President of the Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine Ravi Kumudesh said yesterday.

He said that there had been a certain degree of resentment by the Northern based health officials towards the health workers from South. "The office of the Northern Regional Director of Health Services was inadequate with information and the clear message was that our services were not required," he said.

The needs of the internally displaced persons had not been adequate representation by the North and East health officials at meetings in Colombo, he said.

Therefore, it would be advisable to have a representative from the armed forces in charge of the welfare camps during discussions regarding the IDPs. The armed forces men are very much aware of the needs of the IDPs as every single application for help is made to them, Kumudesh said.

The Government would have to initiate programmes to heal mental wounds as these people have spent half their life time under LTTE rule. Just because they have come into government controlled areas does not mean that they would have an immediate change in their mindset, Kumudesh said.

The Joint Council of Professions Supplementary to Medicine (JCPSM), Medical Laboratory Technologists, nurses, pharmacists and doctors had attended the health camps held last week in three welfare centres. He said the camps were conducted in Manik Farm – ‘Kadiragamar Camp,’ The IDP camp at Cheettikulam Maha Vidyalaya and Manik Farm School.

The IDPs had been screened for communicable and non-communicable diseases while the team had also looked into their nutritional needs. Diabetic patients who were unable to get their medications were also provided with the required care, Kumudesh said.


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