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BAGHDAD, Iraq (February 8, 2007) - With help from U.S. soldiers,
work is under way in Salman Pak, about 15 miles south of the Iraqi
capital, to revitalize a hospital that has not been fully
operational for about five years.
Soldiers and leaders from 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment,
and Team 915 of Company A, 489th Civil Affairs Battalion, from
Knoxville, Tenn., attached to 1-15th Infantry Regiment, visited the
hospital Feb. 4.
Army Maj. John Wolfe, from Scottsboro, Ala., a 489th Civil
Affairs Battalion team leader, said the Iraqi National Police have
been using the facility as a headquarters and barracks since
2005.
"The national police were forced by circumstance to work out of
the hospital and other key facilities," explained Army Maj. Cliff
Faulkner, from Silverton, Colo., commander of Company A, 489th CA.
"Now that security has improved, they can give physical possession
of key infrastructure back to local residents."
Wolfe said the first step in revitalizing the hospital was
negotiating with the city council to relocate the police from the
building. The next step is establishing community access to the
hospital.
Several council leaders, a leader of the local Sons of Iraq
security group, and maintenance representatives led the tour
through the hospital's cold, dark halls.
Wolfe said he believes coalition forces and Iraqi leaders can
restore the hospital to full operation. If the facility returns to
its former capacity, jobs will be available for doctors, nurses,
and other medical professionals.
"Past insecurity and sectarian violence kept many medical
professionals away," Faulkner said. "We are optimistic that the
improved security and stability will permit the return of these
professionals and essential services."
Army Capt. Jason Carney, from Knoxville, Tenn., a 489th CA team
leader, said changes have been made since the national police
vacated the facility. The Sons of Iraq, members of a neighborhood
watch-type program, took over security for the hospital, and three
doctors see patients daily from morning to early afternoon.
"Doctors and patients are still leery to stay overnight," Carney
acknowledged.
Wolfe said the Iraqi Health Ministry is helping fund
improvements. The hospital in Salman Pak already has used Health
Ministry funds to buy water pipes and porcelain sinks.
"Now we just need to get the people to understand that the
hospital is open," Wolfe said.
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