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Australian medical aid flown to Iraq

Two planes carrying essential medical supplies from Australia left this morning from Richmond Airforce Base for Iraq, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said today.

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13 April 2003

Australian medical aid flown to Iraq

Two planes carrying essential medical supplies from Australia left this morning from Richmond Airforce Base for Iraq, the Federal Minister for Health and Ageing, Senator Kay Patterson, said today.

"The aircraft, leaving from Richmond, were loaded with stocks of wound and burns dressings, IV kits, surgical kits, antibiotics, pain killing drugs and a range of other essential medical supplies which are urgently needed to treat people in Iraq.

"One plane will also stop over at Pearce Airbase in Western Australia to pick up additional Commonwealth funded supplies such as burns kits, oral analgesics, cots, stretchers, beds, crutches, and surgical equipment.

"The Federal Government, which is reimbursing the hospitals for the cost of the equipment, is most appreciative for the swift response to the need for medical supplies by Westmead and Liverpool Hospitals, (NSW Health), Royal Perth Hospital (WA Health) and the companies, Braun Australia Pty Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd and for the supplies donated by Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd.

"The Australian Government has recognised the need for additional medical supplies in Iraq and the shipment will complement yesterday's airlift of medical supplies from HMAS Kanimbla."

Senator Patterson said the shipment today is part of Operation Baghdad Assist, which is designed to deliver much needed medical supplies to help relieve some of the pressure on medical facilities and to contribute to the welfare of the Iraqi people.

Media inquiries, contact Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.

Further information, Kay McNiece, Department Health Media Unit 0412 132 585