Written question asked by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Monday, 2 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 June 2003. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Wednesday, 18 June 2003 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the British army is doing to restore the medical distribution network in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Gardiner: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the British army is doing to restore the medical distribution network in Iraq. [117057] Mr. Caplin: United Kingdom forces are working with the local health authority and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to re-stock the central Basrah warehouse, from which drugs and pharmaceuticals were supplied before the war. They have also provided security for the warehouse and for deliveries to local medical facilities. These medical facilities have been visited on a regular basis. UK forces are also working with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and NGOs to correct any deficiencies there might be in drugs for chronic illnesses. Along with the WHO, we are monitoring humanitarian donations ensuring that they are appropriate and properly used. The Office of the Provisional Coalition Authority in Baghdad intends to reintroduce routine re-supply in the near future.

Secondary information