Health care must be a priority at Syrian refugee camps

The image illustrating your article First aid since January reaches displaced Syrians near

Jordan border (November 4) shows the shameful conditions in which displaced civilians are living in that area. The situation will further deteriorate in the winter season and aid agencies must ensure that children and ageing people are taken care of.

In such weather conditions, the most important thing is to take preventive measures to avoid spreading diseases. While the aid fleet must arrive safely to dispense emergency supplies to the already suffering civilians, various other goups must be involved. A co-ordinated effort can ensure supplies reaching the needy as early as possible.

It is also equally important to set up an emergency medical assistance team at the relief camps. Their regular visits can provide psychological help to people, particularly children. Along with food and other supplies, health care should be a priority round-the-clock at all relief camps.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat