Pedro Sánchez welcomes the AECID START team at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport on their return from Venezuela

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, welcomed members of the START team from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), who have returned to Spain after completing the healthcare assistance mission in Venezuela following the earthquakes on 24 June. Pedro Sánchez thanked the 90 emergency workers, deployed in two two-week rotations, for their efforts, which have made it possible to treat more than 4,000 people at the field hospital set up in Caracas.

The healthcare team provided medical care across a range of specialities, covering areas such as primary care, A&E, paediatrics and orthopaedics, as well as diagnostic support in the laboratory, pharmacy, X-ray and ultrasound departments. The Government of Spain has launched a comprehensive response to support those affected by the earthquakes. Measures taken include allocating €1 million to the Red Cross emergency appeal, sending essential supplies valued at €300,000 via the Colombian border, and approving an additional contribution of €500,000 - agreed upon with AECID, 15 autonomous communities, and the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces. Furthermore, it contributes to global emergency funds and has deployed rescue teams with the support of the Ministry of Defence, Civil Protection, the Military Emergency Unit (UME), the Community of Madrid's Emergency and Immediate Response Service (ERICAM) and other specialist organisations.

Non official translation