Government considers sending medics to Bali

By HELEN TUNNAH

New Zealand trauma and burns experts may be flown to Bali to help Indonesians injured in the weekend's bomb blasts, and the Government has not ruled out bringing victims here for treatment.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff said his officials were assessing what was needed in Bali and whether doctors or other medical staff could be sent.

Bali's hospitals are struggling with the hundreds injured in the car bombings at Kuta Beach.

Westerners have been evacuated, but hospitals remain filled with an unknown number of Indonesian victims, some critically injured.

Takapuna businessman Brian Thorrington told the Herald from Bali yesterday that the main hospital had no burn creams and a severe shortage of dressings, screened blood supplies and even scalpels. He said Indonesian nurses and doctors were ill-equipped to cope.

New Zealand hospitals with specialist burns units have been on standby to possibly ease pressure on Australian hospitals.

The Australian Government has already sent emergency medical supplies and doctors to Bali.


Bali messages and latest information on New Zealanders
New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families around the world, can exchange news via our Bali Messages page. The page also contains lists of New Zealanders in Bali and their condition.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

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