Hmm, I don't understand why I can't find this in the MSM
BAGHDAD, Iraq, Mar. 1, 2007 — Construction continues on renovating the Alwaiya Children’s Hospital in east Baghdad. Nearly 100 Iraqi workers are involved with the $2.9 million project that is expected to be completed in August 07.
Currently, workers are plastering, installing ceramic wall tiles and terrazzo floors, new ceilings, painting, electrical and putting in heating and air conditioning duct work. Half the 217-bed facility has already been upgraded and is in use. Hospital Administrator, Dr. Tariff Fazil, says his staff sees an average of 350 patients daily and most are cared for as outpatients. About 30 to 35 youngsters are admitted.
“We’re very pleased with the improvements,” he added.
“It touches your heart every time you walk through their door,” says Iraqi Engineer Abdul-Kareem, who is employed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) overseeing the work. “It comes down to the basics of humanity and helping save people’s lives. Doctors and nurses there are now using equipment that was simply not available two years ago.”The projects include a new water purification system, new mechanical system (both air conditioning and heating), medical waste incinerator, oxygen plant and central vacuum system, nurse call system, intercom paging system, data communications network, new restrooms, new exhaust system to remove unhealthy air and odors, a new generator for emergency power, new lighting, and structural repair
“This hospital takes care of the poorest people in Baghdad. The medical staff had been working in absolute miserable conditions prior to our start of the project.
The full story makes no mention of the hospital either being damaged during the initial military action of Operation Iraqi Freedom, nor actions afterward, either by Coalition troops or "insurgents." Nor can I find any story about it being damaged. It appears that the hospital was just old, outdated, and run down. So, kudo's to the fine men and women serving in the US Army Corps of Engineers, whose official moto is "Can Do!" for providing a better health care facility in a very poor area of Baghdad.
