Date posted: March 19, 2013

Volunteer doctors of BALSADER (Balikesir Health Volunteers Association) in cooperation with Kimse Yok Mu, TIKA (The Turkish International Cooperation and Development Agency), Agean International Health Federation, who were in Somalia as a part of “Somalia Medical Aid Project” are now back home in Balikesir.

Otolaryngologists Dr. Huseyin Bali, ophthalmologist Dr. Saban Ugurlu, anesthesiologist Kasim Gurel provided free medical care to Somalis for 15 days at the capital Mogadishu.

BALSADER President Dr. Fatih Erden reported that the three doctors served at Benadir Hospital, Ministry of Health Sahra Hospital and Doctors Worldwide Hospital. Noting that they also performed various medical operations during their mission Erden said, “Three more, a general surgeon, dentist and an internist, from the province Afyon (Turkey) joined our doctors as well. They have returned together after completing their free medical service.”

Somali staff trained in Turkey

Briefing on Deva Research and Training Hospital under construction in Somalia, the president Erden said “Construction of Deva Hospital-to be completed by May-is underway at full speed. The prefabricated hospital on an area of approximately 32,000 ft² will have 60-bed capacity. Functioning as a “general hospital” it will initially feature specialist doctors in eight branches and a wide range of medical equipment including MR equipment in addition to two operating theatres. The Somali staff of the hospital has received training for five months in Turkey. Besides, eight-member permanent personnel are planned to be sent as well.”

Dr. Huseyin Bali commented that “We are deeply moved by the scene in Somalia despite such a short stay. It is at such a level that many lives are lost due to lack of medical equipment, which is certainly disturbing. It calls an urgent action.”

Source: [in Turkish] Sondakika.com, 12 March 2013. English translation is retrieved from HizmetMovement.Com

Tags: Humanitarian aid | Somalia |