Armed forces medical unit creates history

NST It will be the first time the team operates independently of the armed forces contingent.
The team will serve six months under the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso).
Present to see the 20-member team off at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport was Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
The team of six doctors, a dentist, a nursing officer and an administration officer, backed by 10 support staff, was selected over units from other countries for their impressive record in several international humanitarian and medical missions.
Najib said they would be operating under extreme conditions, especially from danger posed by the weather, sandstorms and landmines.
"But I do not see why the team, with all their training and experience, would not be able to face these challenges and do the nation, especially the armed forces, proud," he added.
Team leader Lt Kol (Dr) Adnan Abdullah said the team would be providing medical care to about 450 military personnel and civilians under the UN banner.