Dr. Osahon Enabulele, President of the World Medical Association, penned down his reflections on a visit to earthquake-prone regions of Turkey.
Enabulele said, I had very emotional moments on Friday, June 23, 2023, and yesterday, Saturday, June 24, 2023, when I paid visits to Adana and Hatay cities of Turkey, both of which were amongst other cities affected by the devastating earthquake that occurred in Turkey.
My visit to Hatay City was particularly revealing as I came into close contact with many displaced families—men, women, the elderly, young children, and orphans—living in various shelter camps and struggling for basic needs of life.
In my journey through the cities, I heard of many who passed on and many who were injured. I witnessed many devastated communities and had personal interactions with those who lost their loved ones, including the sad case of a Physician who lost his wife and children on account of the earthquake but, despite this, was still providing healthcare to other injured victims.
Indeed, my heart bled uncontrollably with continuous thoughts of what more could be done to support the current resettlement and rehabilitation efforts.
Their challenging working conditions notwithstanding, I saw healthcare teams led by Physicians under the aegis of the Turkish Medical Association happily delivering care to displaced people and victims of the earthquake.
I commend the Turkish Medical Association and her coordinating teams, all physicians and other health care personnel, as well as volunteers and other groups, who are daily attending to the needs of displaced and injured people.
I am particularly thankful to Prof. Sebnem Korur Financi, Prof. Vedat Bulus, and other members of the TMA.
My heart goes out to all those who lost loved ones, as well as injured and displaced persons.
On behalf of the World Medical Association, I once again express our deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Turkey and all those who lost loved ones. We deeply sympathise with all injured victims and communities and pray for their speedy recovery.
We pray for the eternal repose of the souls of all those lost in the wake of the earthquake.
