The mission 'Promesa Duradera 2018' seeks, through the arrival of the USNS Comfort in Riohacha, in the department of La Guajira, to promote opportunities for social inclusion and transformation of the department.
On November 26, the USNS Comfort Hospital Ship of the Fourth Fleet of the United States arrived in Riohacha to conduct a mission of medical assistance and humanitarian assistance through the combined efforts of the United States Southern Command and the National Army of Colombia with the First Division and the Support Command of Comprehensive Action and Development, led by Brigadier General Hugo Alejandro López Barreto.
During the days of the activity that will end next November 30, it is intended to attend 500 to 1,000 people daily and conduct about 20 surgeries per day. It is important to note that this mission has capabilities such as mobile and floating surgical facilities, 200 doctors, nurses and military technicians, 60 medical volunteers and dentists from non-governmental organizations and a team of civil service marines who will supervise the operation and navigation; a crew of about 950 people and medical personnel; five onboard helicopters that will transport patients and assistance in points organized on land, among others.
In addition, it provides medical care in specialties such as general and preventive medicine, operating theaters, general and ophthalmological surgical procedures, postsurgical rooms, dermatology, dental care, CT unit, optometry examinations, optometry laboratory, eyeglass distribution and public health, bank blood of 5,000 units, dental treatments, physical therapy area, oxygen-producing plants and X-ray machines.
This important project is framed under international cooperation. It will lead to the improvement of the living conditions of the population of Riohacha and indigenous communities in the department of La Guajira, through sustainable development and Unified State operation through the articulation of institutions such as: The Ministry of Defense with the General Command of the Military Forces and its National Army, the United States Embassy with the Southern Command of the United States, the Ministry of Health with the Departmental Health office, the Foreign Ministry, the Colombian Family Wellbeing Institute (ICBF), Invima, the Government of the department of La Guajira, the Mayor's Office of Riohacha and the National Police.
This optimal platform provides hospital services in support of humanitarian assistance and relief operations of the United States in close cooperation with Colombia. It seeks to provide timely medical assistance at two points of service: the school Liceo Almirante Padilla and the school Divina Pastora, which will have open their doors from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
In this way, with the mission 'Lasting Promise 2018', the Military Forces through the National Army in cooperation with the US Southern Command, will continue to promote social development in the most vulnerable areas of the country, jointly and coordinately and inter-institutionally, with the purpose of contributing to the social recovery of the Colombian territory. Faith in the cause!
Source: Comprehensive Action and Development Support Command – CAAID
