HPIC providing emergency medical relief for Haiti

MONTREAL , Jan. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - Montreal-based Health Partners International of Canada has partners on the ground in Haiti , providing medical care to the victims of the humanitarian catastrophe that is wreaking havoc on the battered country.

Canadian healthcare professionals on medical missions will be joined by more teams leaving in the next few days and weeks as the situation permits. HPIC is also working with a number of NGO partners to ensure the provision of vital medicines through their health centres and clinics.

"HPIC's priority is to work with our partners to build a comprehensive needs list of medicines and medical supplies," says Glen Shepherd , President of HPIC. "The Canadian pharmaceutical industry wants to help Haiti through HPIC in an organized and needs-driven way. We are talking to all our partners and planning a significant mobilization of aid now and in the longer term."

HPIC's first project in 1990 was in response to an earthquake in Iran . Over the years, the organization has responded to dozens of emergencies, including the tsunami in 2004 when HPIC sent $11 million worth of medical aid.

HPIC is also collecting donations. Donations from individuals to HPIC for Haiti relief will be matched $1 for $1 by the Government of Canada until Feb. 12 . In addition, a $1 donated to HPIC is multiplied to provide at least $10 in medical aid. Donations can be made online at www.hpicanada.ca or by phone at 514.695.0007.

HPIC is a Canadian relief and development organization dedicated to increasing access to medicine and improving health in the developing world.

For further information: Marg Buchanan, [phone], ext. 106*, [email protected]; Christina Parsons, [phone], ext. 119*, [email protected]; www.hpicanada.ca; *On the weekend, please contact us by e-mail and leave a message indicating the best way to contact you. We will respond as soon as possible