The catastrophic earthquake that hit Pakistan, India, and Kashmir -- claiming over 30,000 lives -- presents a new call to action for the healthcare industry and the world at large. DOTmed users generously responded to support victims of Hurricane Katrina on our shores. Now an international response is growing as images of devastation come out of Pakistan and India.

CNN today reported major problems getting assistance to the region, particularly northern Pakistan. Half the population in the affected areas are children, according to Unicef, and relief efforts for the youngest victims are most intensive.

Our industry can play a critical role in international relief. Many DOTmed users live in Pakistan as well as India. You may be in a unique position to donate medical equipment and resources because of your in-depth knowledge of local health care delivery systems. We know you will spring into action.

Please write to DOTmed to keep our readers posted on your efforts and what type of donations are needed most.

For most of us, the best contribution we can make is cash. DOTmed urges its users to select and contribute to one of the relief organizations below:

The International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies
www.ifrc.org
(41-22) 730-4222

The Indian Red Cross
www.indianredcross.org

The Pakistani Red Crescent
www.prcs.org.pk

CARE
www.care.org
(800) 422-7385

International Medical Corps
www.imcworldwide.org
(800) 481-4462

Save the Children
www.savethechildren.org
(800) 728-3843

UNICEF
www.unicef.org
(800) 4UNICEF

Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders
www.msf.org
(212) 679-6800

Associated Press of Pakistan
www.app.com.pk/
Phone: +92 (051) 2203064-67