Observations on medical care in a refugee camp in Thailand

Abstract

In October 1979, the acute influx of Khmer refugees into Thailand required that US military medical personnel become responsible for the primary care of a large population of severely malnourished patients. The field hospital situation provided a 'best available' outline, if less than ideal forum, for the provision of civilian medical care in connection with the mass movement of populations secondary to war or prolonged natural disaster. Perhaps, civil affairs and medical planning agencies can gain some benefit from this experience.