Sunday, September 11 2005 10:54 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Houston: Indian-American doctors in Houston are working overtime to comfort people affected by hurricane Katrina after the sick and needy were shifted to this American city from the disaster-hit areas.

Ever since the weary, sick and desperate evacuees were shifted to Houston from New Orleans for refuge last week, various doctors, nurses and para-medics from different specialties like general practice, internal medicine, family medicine, OB/Gyn, opthomology, paediatrics, psychiatry, are working overtime to heal their wounds and bring smile on their faces.

The Indian Doctors Association (IDA) of Houston made it possible by working with the Harris County Medical Society (HCMS) the largest society out of the 119 medical societies in Texas.

"Amazingly within few hours, doctors from various specialties poured their heart and time out to help our community. Some even cancelled their schedules just to help the needy," said Rakesh Mangal, President of IDA.

"Many Indian doctors were ready to come to Houston from as far as from California, Pittsburg, New York, just to be a part of this noble cause, but, we had to say no to them at present as there was overwhelming response from Texas Medical Association, much was more than what we actually requested for," he said.

According to Dr Mangal, HCMS' assurance to physicians also encouraged all doctors to come forward and help the victims "As they assured the medical community here that they have nothing to fear from the legal community because of the Texas Good Samaritan statutes. HCMS cleared it with the Houston Bar Association and Trial Lawyers."

"Our goal to help the hurricane victims has been very successful, due to the overwhelming voluntary response received from many of the Indian doctors. This goal has been met beyond our expectations. Now the 'Emergency' need is nearing completion at the Astrodome as early as in next seven-to-ten days," he said.

"A great number of hurricane evacuees that have been moved to temporary housing by the City has been very successful. We are happy to see that the number of people being housed in the Astrodome has gone down from 30,000 to 6,000," he said.

IDA will continue to serve the victims till Sept 17.