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Chief Medical Editor Message

Where the Need Is Great

November 2005

A mericans have been inundated with terrible news of death and destruction these past few months because of this year’s devastating hurricane season. But we’re not alone. On Oct. 8, a massive earthquake hit the Pakistan-India border. It was believed to be the strongest earthquake to hit that region in more than a century, according to the BBC News. At press time, the present death count from the earthquake was more than 73,000 people with at least 79,000 more injured, according to Jim Lehrer’s Web site. But worse news is set to come because many more thousands of people are at risk for dying because of the approaching winter weather in the Himalayas. Offering Hope and Help A U.S.-based organization of doctors has already been lending a helping hand, but donations are still desperately needed. “We have sent tents, crutches, an ambulance and more,” explained Boston-based dermatologist Dr. Khalil Khatri. A native of Pakistan, Dr. Khatri said that another 100,000 people in Pakistan are at risk of dying due to poor health care following the earthquake or because of exposure to the elements. Also, based on reports from doctors who have just returned from helping quake victims, there are 3 million people left homeless from the disaster. “The biggest need is for antibiotics and winterized tents,” said Dr. Khatri. However, he said that in the long term, many people will need prostheses and wheelchairs because many people have suffered from limb losses and paralysis. A Sad Loss Dr. Khatri was happy to report that his family members are doing fine; however, the doctor pictured above was not as fortunate. “Khadija stayed with us when she was earning her Ph.D. from Boston University,” explained Dr. Khatri. “She was in a school that collapsed from the quake, and she and many of her students died.” If you would like to donate equipment or money, Dr. Khatri has provided the following information about the organization he is with that is directly helping victims. He explained that donations are brought directly to the people in need. Donations can be sent to: APPNE (Association of Pakistani Physicians of New England) (There is also a national organization for this group.) Send donations in care of Dr. Khalil Khatri, 74 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060. If you would like to e-mail Dr. Khatri with questions, he can be reached at skinlaser@aol.com. n Larisa Hubbs Executive Editor lhubbs@hmpcommunications.com

A mericans have been inundated with terrible news of death and destruction these past few months because of this year’s devastating hurricane season. But we’re not alone. On Oct. 8, a massive earthquake hit the Pakistan-India border. It was believed to be the strongest earthquake to hit that region in more than a century, according to the BBC News. At press time, the present death count from the earthquake was more than 73,000 people with at least 79,000 more injured, according to Jim Lehrer’s Web site. But worse news is set to come because many more thousands of people are at risk for dying because of the approaching winter weather in the Himalayas. Offering Hope and Help A U.S.-based organization of doctors has already been lending a helping hand, but donations are still desperately needed. “We have sent tents, crutches, an ambulance and more,” explained Boston-based dermatologist Dr. Khalil Khatri. A native of Pakistan, Dr. Khatri said that another 100,000 people in Pakistan are at risk of dying due to poor health care following the earthquake or because of exposure to the elements. Also, based on reports from doctors who have just returned from helping quake victims, there are 3 million people left homeless from the disaster. “The biggest need is for antibiotics and winterized tents,” said Dr. Khatri. However, he said that in the long term, many people will need prostheses and wheelchairs because many people have suffered from limb losses and paralysis. A Sad Loss Dr. Khatri was happy to report that his family members are doing fine; however, the doctor pictured above was not as fortunate. “Khadija stayed with us when she was earning her Ph.D. from Boston University,” explained Dr. Khatri. “She was in a school that collapsed from the quake, and she and many of her students died.” If you would like to donate equipment or money, Dr. Khatri has provided the following information about the organization he is with that is directly helping victims. He explained that donations are brought directly to the people in need. Donations can be sent to: APPNE (Association of Pakistani Physicians of New England) (There is also a national organization for this group.) Send donations in care of Dr. Khalil Khatri, 74 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060. If you would like to e-mail Dr. Khatri with questions, he can be reached at skinlaser@aol.com. n Larisa Hubbs Executive Editor lhubbs@hmpcommunications.com

A mericans have been inundated with terrible news of death and destruction these past few months because of this year’s devastating hurricane season. But we’re not alone. On Oct. 8, a massive earthquake hit the Pakistan-India border. It was believed to be the strongest earthquake to hit that region in more than a century, according to the BBC News. At press time, the present death count from the earthquake was more than 73,000 people with at least 79,000 more injured, according to Jim Lehrer’s Web site. But worse news is set to come because many more thousands of people are at risk for dying because of the approaching winter weather in the Himalayas. Offering Hope and Help A U.S.-based organization of doctors has already been lending a helping hand, but donations are still desperately needed. “We have sent tents, crutches, an ambulance and more,” explained Boston-based dermatologist Dr. Khalil Khatri. A native of Pakistan, Dr. Khatri said that another 100,000 people in Pakistan are at risk of dying due to poor health care following the earthquake or because of exposure to the elements. Also, based on reports from doctors who have just returned from helping quake victims, there are 3 million people left homeless from the disaster. “The biggest need is for antibiotics and winterized tents,” said Dr. Khatri. However, he said that in the long term, many people will need prostheses and wheelchairs because many people have suffered from limb losses and paralysis. A Sad Loss Dr. Khatri was happy to report that his family members are doing fine; however, the doctor pictured above was not as fortunate. “Khadija stayed with us when she was earning her Ph.D. from Boston University,” explained Dr. Khatri. “She was in a school that collapsed from the quake, and she and many of her students died.” If you would like to donate equipment or money, Dr. Khatri has provided the following information about the organization he is with that is directly helping victims. He explained that donations are brought directly to the people in need. Donations can be sent to: APPNE (Association of Pakistani Physicians of New England) (There is also a national organization for this group.) Send donations in care of Dr. Khalil Khatri, 74 Allds Street, Nashua, NH 03060. If you would like to e-mail Dr. Khatri with questions, he can be reached at skinlaser@aol.com. n Larisa Hubbs Executive Editor lhubbs@hmpcommunications.com