§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many of the Gulf War troops have been medically examined by the Medical Assessment Programme. [51571]
§ Dr. MoonieThe Ministry of Defence's Gulf Veterans Medical Assessment Programme (GVMAP) was established in July 1993. Any Serviceman or Service woman, including those who have since left the UK armed forces, and Ministry of Defence civilians, who served in the Gulf at any time between August 1990 and July 1991, or who believe that their health has suffered as a direct result of the Gulf conflict can apply. Individuals who worked for contractors providing direct support to UK operations during the Gulf conflict may also be seen. All patients are seen following referral from their general practitioner or their armed forces medical officer. As at 19 April 2002, GVMAP consultants had physically examined 3,117 members and former members of the armed forces. This equates to 5.8 per cent of all UK armed forces deployed. Further information about the GVMAP can be obtained from my Department's web site: www.mod.uk/issues/gulfwar or by telephoning Freephone 0800 169 5401.