ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, July 2, 1996 TAG: 9607020035
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: NORFOLK
A ``flying hospital'' owned by religious broadcaster Pat Robertson's relief group Operation Blessing has taken off for its first mission, to El Salvador.
The specially equipped, $25 million plane left Saturday carrying doctors and medical support staff from 26 states. The plane will remain in El Salvador for a week.
``This send-off is historic,'' Robertson said. ``This outreach will provide hope and healing to thousands of people around the globe.''
Future missions are planned to Panama, the Ukraine, Asia and the Philippines.
The L1011 wide-body jet has a sleeping section for up to 67 people, an operating theater with three bays, two dental chair sections, a laboratory and pharmacy, and a storage area for tons of supplies and equipment.
The team of doctors and nurses will provide free medical care on the flying hospital, at Santa Teresa Hospital in Zacatecaluca and in a temporary clinic set up adjacent to the hospital.
- Associated Press
LENGTH: Short : 30 linesby CNB