Syrian refugees get prosthetic limbs in Turkey

ŞANLIURFA - Anadolu Agency

Syrian refugees who lost their limbs in the ongoing civil war in their country have been receiving treatments free of charge at the Orthotics and Prosthetics Center in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa.

So far, 23 Syrian refugees have been treated at the center built by the joint efforts of the Turkey-based Humanitarian Relief Foundation (İHH), the Alliance of International Doctors (AID) and the Kuwait-based Bayt-al Zakat, also known as Zakat House.

The refugees receive free of charge prosthetics or orthotics, followed by physiotherapy at the center.

Mustafa Haji, 70, who lost his left leg in a bomb attack in Syria two years ago, was able to walk again after receiving a prosthetic leg at the health center.

“I am very excited as I have a leg again. I believe my life will be much easier now. I appreciate Turkey’s support,” said the Syrian refugee who currently lives in Turkey.

Doctor Necmi Eşiyok, AID’s Şanlıurfa representative, told state-run Anadolu Agency that they aim to ease the pain of refugees, by not only focusing on their physical wellbeing but also addressing their psychological needs.

“Through the joint project, we provide orthotic-prosthetic support to the Syrians free of cost. Rather than traditional methods, the measurements are automatically taken via a 3D printer, a method being used for the first time in Turkey, thus, allowing us to create limbs suitable for an individual’s body,” he said.

“Our services for the asylum seekers will continue in the future,” he added.