140 children with serious illnesses to be transferred from Moria

·

Doctors Without Borders has called for the transfer of at least 140 children with serious health problems living in Moria inland. They have emphasised in their communication that these children suffer from complex and serious illnesses and need specialised care that the clinic of the organisation cannot provide.

In the statement, the organisation cites testimonies of refugees, such as that of Samshey from Afghanistan, who lives in the KYT.

“My daughter Zahra suffers from autism, but we have to live in a very small area with almost no electricity. She is often caught by seizures in the evening and there is no one to help us, “she says. “I just want to be in a place where my daughter can play like the other kids and see a good doctor.”

Doctors Without Borders explains that since March 2019, more than 270 children with chronic and complex diseases, such as heart disease, epilepsy and diabetes, have been seen at a pediatric outpatient clinic outside of Moria, which children need specialized care that cannot to provide them with the organisation’s clinic. 

The NGO emphasises that not even the public hospital in Mytilene can provide care for this additional number of patients, and some specialised services are not even available.

According to the Doctors Without Borders program director Apostolos Veizi, the NGO is in talks with the Greek authorities to transport children to the mainland for emergency medical care. “However, despite the fact that some children were examined, no one has been transferred yet,” he said.

For his part, Vassilis Stravaridis, director general of the Greek section of the organisation, speaks of “the government’s reluctance to find a quick and systematic solution for these children, including several infants,” resulting in a health burden. to them, “which could lead to permanent damage or even death.”

Doctors Without Borders, however, does not restrict their appeal to children only, but calls for the immediate transfer from Lesvos of all people with chronic and complex health problems.

They emphasise that priority should be given to children who should be placed on a suitable shelter near services that will provide them with specialised medical care. They also demand immediate access to “free, timely and adequate health care for every asylum seeker and unaccompanied minor in Greece”, as well as an end to “the entrapment of refugees and asylum seekers in desperate and inhumane conditions in Lesvos”

Sourced by: Efsyn

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Cronulla Sharks prospect Billy Magoulias completes bachelor’s degree

Billy is now ready to take the next step with his rugby league career, where he aims to become a regular in the Sharks NRL team in 2020.

Remembering popular Greek author, Kosmas Politis

Kosmas Politis was one of the most popular Greek authors of the 1930's, with a number of well-known novels including Eroica (1938).

Steve Staikos poised to secure top job in the Victorian Labor Party

A key figure in the Socialist Left, Steve Staikos, is poised to become the new state secretary of the Victorian Australian Labor Party.