Medicine International

In December 1988, Medicine International (MI) collaborated with the International Medical Corps (IMC) in training of Mujahideen soldiers of the seven armies fighting the Russian occupation of Afghanistan. During the 9-month program mujahideen were trained as war medics as well as primary care providers for the local population.

A surgical training model was developed and implemented by IMC for training these Mujahideen in advanced surgical battlefield techniques. They were able to treat 70 percent of battlefield injuries and 85 percent of civilian related medical and surgical problems. Dr. Herb Sigmond participated in the program in 1988 at which time training was moved into the Karakom Mountains along the Chinese-Pakistan border where field hospital exercises were conducted.

After completion of their training, the medics were sent back into Afghanistan with supplies for setting up clandestine clinics. IMC developed methods for resuppling clinics with medical and surgical supplies on an ongoing basis.