QRCS deploys surgical convoy for Syrians in Turkey

Hosted by the MMT Amerikan Hastanesi in the border city of Reyhanli, the operations are performed by a group of specialised and highly experienced surgeons.

Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) recently deployed a medical convoy to Reyhanli, Turkey, to perform general and ENT surgeries for Syrian refugees in Turkey. It is part of the programme of medical convoys executed by QRCS all over the world since 2000, with a view to providing direct medical support for the beneficiaries by performing significant surgeries, examinations and medications for the benefit of those suffering from health issues but cannot afford the cost of treatment in poor and affected countries, according to a press statement. This medical convoy is much needed as there are thousands of Syrian refugees in Turkey who need medical care but do not have the resources to find it, amid a higher demand on the health sector due to Covid-19, the statement notes. Hosted by the MMT Amerikan Hastanesi in the border city of Reyhanli, the operations are performed by a group of specialised and highly experienced surgeons. The project involves two phases, the first of which has already been completed, with more than 190 patients examined and given medical consultations, X-ray and tests. Based on the results of diagnosis, 32 operations were performed for cases that required a surgical intervention in the specialties of general and ENT surgery. They were performed over three days, with a fourth day for interviewing and diagnosis. Soon, Phase 2 will be carried out, involving the same number of surgeries as Phase 1. Together, they will cover 64 operations, as well as accommodation at hospital in the preoperative and postoperative periods. Medical convoys are a strategic programme of QRCS in the field of healthcare. Over the past few years, physicians and surgeons visited numerous countries, including Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sudan, Jordan, Gaza and Turkey, to name a few. QRCS pays great attention to this important aspect of humanitarian intervention, which effectively saves the lives of patients after years of suffering due to illness, poverty, war and crises, the statement adds.