“Refugee Camps in Suruç Battle With Epidemics”

As the winter approaches, bianet interviewed Deniz Erdoğdu, an executive board member at Turkish Doctors Union (TTB) on the situation of Syrian refugees located in the southeastern province of Suruç. 

“You can’t be prescribed drugs without an ID” 

According to Erdoğdu, the number of wounded people took a dive even though some cases still occurred.

“There are issues with lodging, clothing and health issues. Children face epidemics of diarrhea. Due to lack of heating, some breathing infection can easily turn to epidemics as well. Those who didn’t receive an ID from Turkish authorities can’t be prescribed with drugs. Because they don’t have money,” he said. 

“Food is enough, trash gets collected” 

Erdoğdu said the conditions were not so terrible. 

“Suruç Municipality provides meals and water. They also collect the trash.”

Erdoğdu also added that volunteers worked in the camp area in an efficient way. While state-affiliated healthcare professionals declined to deliver wounded from the border due to security concerns, volunteers drive ambulances to transfer the aforementioned patients. 

7 died on the border in early October 

Erdoğdu also added that several deaths occurred due to lack of blood supply as Kobane protests blocked the border between Turkey and Syria. 

According to a report by Turkey’s Human Rights Association (IHD), at least 7 people died due to lack of blood supply during the closure of Turkey - Syria border between October 6 and 10.

Erdoğdu also underlined the significance of not making supply donation without consulting offials. (EA/BM)

Photo credit: Ahmet Okatalı, AA

* Click here to read the article in Turkish.