Answering the People’s Army Newspaper reporter’s questions about the support of the UNMISS Sector North for the L2FH No.1 of Vietnam, Ms. Hiroko Hirahara said that this is the first time Vietnam has deployed a field hospital (as a military unit) to a UN peacekeeping mission; therefore, she encouraged the Vietnamese peacekeepers to find her if they have any questions.
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Ms. Hiroko Hirahara, Chief of the UNMISS Field Office in Bentiu |
She said the UNMISS has provided favorable conditions for the level-two field hospital of Vietnam to operate. Therefore, the staff of the hospital can now focus on implementing their professional jobs and do not have to worry about other issues. The working environment is also safe for the hospital as the section is protected by a Mongolian infantry battalion (850 troops), a Ghanaian infantry battalion (850 troops) and a police unit of Ghana stationed nearby. All of the troops there rely on the L2FH No.1 of Vietnam for medical services. They are very happy as the Vietnamese medical staff has arrived, and they will try their best to help the hospital operate smoothly.
She affirmed that the solidarity and team spirit is high in Bentiu. As the local situation is chaotic, UN troops have a high sense of cooperation and mutual support in carrying out common tasks. And the important thing is the forces know how to support each other.
She said she knew the L2FH No.1 of Vietnam also pays attention to community activities and the UNMISS welcomes any activities that positively help locals, especially in the medical area, as the lack of medical equipment and medicines is common everywhere in South Sudan, not just Bentiu. She informed the hospital’s staff that they may travel to far-flung villages to provide medical support for locals if it is possible, as local people have to travel very long distances to have their health checked.
She said the patrol of UN forces in remote areas is important, helping pinpoint difficulties and areas in need of support. If Vietnam’s field hospital comes to those far-flung areas, this will tell the world that Vietnam not only supports UN efforts, but also contributes to helping locals in needy areas of South Sudan.
Sharing information about the security and protection plan for the L2FH No.1 of Vietnam, Ms. Horoko Hirahara said, the L2FH No.1 of Vietnam is located in the UNMISS Sector North and this area has its own security master-plan. At present, the area is protected by one security force responsible for UNMISS personnel. Apart from that, fully armed military units are also tasked with ensuring security and safety for the area. Watchtowers in the areas function around the clock and patrol sessions are conducted 24/7 to different spots in the area. The section also has a police force in charge of protection of civilians (PoC), but capable of reaching anywhere in the area in case of emergency.
According to Ms. Hiroko Hirahara, the field hospital of Vietnam is protected like a PoC area. Especially, specially-high security is maintained for the hospital, as this is the area that a lot of people come to when emergency and disasters occur, for it is where medical services are provided.
Units stationed in the hospital area will be the first ones to respond to emergency and the hospital will be the first place put under protection. Apart from that, warning lights have been installed to guide the hospital’s staff to safe places.
Talking about the significance of the participation of Vietnam’s field hospital in UN peacekeeping operations, she said that previously there was only a level-one field hospital in Bentiu. When the UK’s L2FH came to Bentiu, the UNMISS staff felt clearly the difference. In Bentiu, it takes a lot of time for most of the sick cases to be hospitalized. In case of unfavorable weather, or even at night in normal weather conditions, aircraft cannot transport patients to hospital for treatment.
Furthermore, in Bentiu and neighboring areas, there are no capable medical facilities while the possibility for outbreaks of diseases and disasters is high. Therefore, a level-two field hospital will bring a lot of benefits to UNMISS forces and civilians. Ms. Hiroko Hirahara is a Japanese citizen and back in Japan she can find a hospital anywhere she wishes. However, in Bentiu, a level-two field hospital is more than welcomed.
Ms. Hiroko Hirahara highly appreciated the presence of the L2FH No.1 of Vietnam in Bentiu.
Reported by My Hanh (from Bentiu, South Sudan)
Translated by Huu Duong