"We're helpless," says Iraqi surgeon ("They use cluster bombs") [View All]

We're helpless says Iraqi surgeon
By REBECCA TORR
13 April 2006

IRAQI doctors are being stretched to their limit having to treat war casualties with little medical supplies, staff and time, says a top plastic surgeon.

Iraqi consultant plastic surgeon Dr Zakaria Arajy, from Baghdad, said there were huge numbers of war casualties needing reconstructive surgery but due to the lack of medical resources and too few doctors, waiting lists were becoming longer and people of all ages were suffering.

"The number of casualties is high and this means you can't give patients what they need, so you give them primary treatment and have to do the reconstructive surgery later," said Dr Arajy's, whose patient waiting list now stands at 14 to 15 months.

"There are also severe shortages in pharmaceuticals, suturing materials and anaesthetics. We don't have a steady flow of medical supplies. Another problem is the experienced surgeons, scientists and medical brains have been killed, kidnapped and threatened and lots of people have left the country."

(more; warning graphic image of burned, traumatized Iraqi boy)

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/Story.asp?Article=140771&Sn=BNEW&IssueID=29024