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U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker in cake cutting ceremony after announcing the hand over of the 212th MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) to Government of Pakistan.

Last Mobile Hospital Of Its Kind To Continue Operations Under Pakistani Military Personnel

Islamabad – Today the United States transferred the 212th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH), the last unit of its kind in the U.S. Army, to the Pakistani government. The field hospital arrived in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan, shortly after the earthquake that struck that country on October 8, 2005. The MASH will continue to provide essential healthcare to Muzaffarabad while local medical infrastructure is rebuilt.

"We are very proud of the MASH's service to the people of Pakistan and extremely happy the MASH will be continuing its mission in capable hands," said Army Col. Angel Lugo, MASH force commander.

The portable 84-bed facility consists of a primary healthcare and emergency medical treatment section, a surgical suite with two operating tables and sterilization equipment, two Intensive Care Units (ICUs), one intermediate care ward and one minimal care ward, a pharmacy, lab, radiology units, medical maintenance work area with a supply of repair parts, a power generation system for the entire hospital and storage containers for packing and moving the hospital.

The entire facility is worth $4.6 million: $4 million in medical equipment, $200,000 of expendable medical supplies, $281,000 of power equipment and $126,000 of medical maintenance equipment.

The transfer of authority ceremony marks the end of a two-week transition period that provided time for the Pakistani Military to inventory and train on the equipment.

The MASH treated over 20,000 patients and provided about 20,000 vaccinations to approximately 8,000 patients since October. After the transfer, the American medical personnel will return to their home base in Miesau, Germany.

"We are committed to providing the best healthcare and support to the people of Pakistan," said Army Maj. Soo Lee Davis, MASH executive officer. "The MASH will live on in Pakistan as their medical providers continue to deliver a high level of care in Muzaffarabad."

For further information please contact Disaster Assistance Center Public Affairs, Lt. Corey Schultz, at 0300-5012184.