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Pakistan: Greenstar Plays Key Role in Providing Care to Earthquake Victims KARACHI, Pakistan, November 15, 2005 — PSI affiliate Greenstar Social Marketing is mobilizing its own staff and volunteer doctors from its Greenstar network of private health clinics to meet the needs of victims in areas hardest hit by October's devastating earthquake. Greenstar doctors and staff were among the first to provide assistance to some areas, supplying medical care, bedding, and foodstuffs to those desperate for help. PSI's and Greenstar's response was highlighted when staff received a U.S. presidential delegation of corporate leaders overseeing the United States' South Asia Earthquake Relief Fund led by Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes in Muzzaffarabad, Kashmir, one of the hardest hit areas. "One of the wonderful things about America is we have a great
tradition of private and public generosity," said Hughes. "Our
people want to help… We're very proud of Americans… helping to care
for the sick… rescue people and deliver supplies." PSI/Pakistan country representative Monte Achenbach greeted Hank McKinnell Jr., chairman and CEO of Pfizer; Anne Mulcahy, chairman and CEO of Xerox; Jim Kelly, former chairman and CEO of UPS; Assistant Secretary of State Christina Rocca and U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Ryan Crocker and told them about what PSI and Greenstar have been doing to aid the earthquake survivors. The delegation observed a Greenstar demonstration on correct mixing and use of PuR Purifier of Water to produce safe drinking water and visited a camp of internally displaced persons. PuR is being distributed by PSI in collaboration with Procter & Gamble and USAID. As other relief organizations and the Pakistani government have moved in to tackle the massive job, Greenstar has organized volunteer opportunities for its own network of doctors and paramedics — 70% of whom are female — as well as other private sector health providers. There is a critical need for on-going medical assistance in many locations, and Greenstar has placed three orthopedic surgeons and three doctors with the National Rural Support Program, a Pakistani NGO with strong ties in the affected communities. Greenstar is providing volunteers with transportation and housing near the affected areas and has received a $10,000 donation from PSI to support on-going relief efforts. Greenstar Social Marketing is a leading provider of affordable health services and products to low-income people in Pakistan. Working through the private sector, where 70 percent of Pakistanis receive their health care, Greenstar is second only to the Government of Pakistan as the largest provider of family planning products and services. — Carlie Danielson, PSI/Washington
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