DUSHANBE, April 26, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- A medical convoy of 46 skilled physicians, led by Minister of Health Nusratullo Salimov, departed for the Rasht Valley on April 25.

The source at the Ministry of Health (MoH) says the purpose of the trip is for the physicians to provide primary health services and consultative aid to the population in Nourobod, Rasht, Tojikobod, Tavildara and Jirgatol districts.

According to him, the convoy members include cardiologists, surgeons, gynecologists, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, urologists, tuberculosis specialists, etc.  They are also scheduled to study the level of medical services in districts of the Rasht Valley.

The physicians have all necessary equipment with them and they plan to perform surgeries at local hospitals.

The first medical convoy was organized by the ministry of health last year for the purpose of providing consultative assistance and treatment services to residents of remote mountain areas.  In 2010, the convoy visited all regions of the country, including the Rasht Valley, the source said.