Providing an important medical facility in the earthquake-hit Haitian community of Jacmel, the Canadian Forces – which has been actively delivering food, water and other necessities to the affected people ever since the quake struck on January 12 - has transported a mobile surgical unit which has been donated by a Switzerland-based emergency relief organization.

Informing that the military vehicles had brought the self-sufficient medical unit from the capital Port-Au-Prince, Capt. Meghan Joiner, the medical liaison with Canada’s Disaster Assistance Relief Team, added that a site had been cleared for setting up the unit.

Noting that a number of surgical procedures are required by the people who have been affected by the earthquake, Joiner said that despite a notable backlog of patients in Jacmel, the situation is on its way towards an improvement; with various countries extending a helping hand in terms of bringing increased resources into the area.

The field clinic by the Canadian military is part of its diverse efforts to bring some respite to the suffering population of the small city.

Presently, there are nearly 1,500 Canadian troops on the ground in Haiti, with the remaining troops of the Canadian contingent being based in the town of Leogane. Upon the arrival of all troops, as many as 2,100 Canadian personnel will be on ground in the quake-affected country.