The field hospital set up by Belgium as part of B-Fast in Kirikhan in Turkey, following the earthquakes of February 6, was officially handed over to the Turkish Ministry of Health on Thursday. The second B-FAST medical and logistics team returned from Turkey on Friday. As soon as they arrived, we witnessed their reunion with their families.
The volunteer mission lasted 22 days. 3,500 people were treated. Almost a third of these patients were children. From now on, the relay is taken by the field hospital installed on the spot by the Belgian team.
We were all very moved
“It is a mission rich in emotions. We often went from laughter to tears. I will remember this patient who told us regarding the loss of 3 of her 4 children during the earthquake. And all this in such a way dignified. We were all very moved and very touched during his story. And we also had very positive emotions. We had the honor and the joy of accompanying patients who gave birth. It was a glimmer of hope”, says Muge Ozdemir, gynecologist.
The transfer of the management of the field hospital to Turkey, with the donation of part of the medical equipment therein, was announced last week. Since then, local medical staff had gradually been integrated into the teams, for a smooth transition. The field hospital will continue to operate with the same capacity, but this time with around fifty Turkish doctors and nurses, “in collaboration with the management of the neighboring Kirikhan hospital”.
