ABU DHABI, 1st March, 2023 (WAM) – Under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, Mother of the Nation, and Honourary President of Emirates Red Crescent, Sham, a Syrian child, and her brother Omar, arrived in Abu Dhabi to receive the required medical treatment, as part of Her Highness's keen interest in ensuring healthcare for the seriously injured victims of the devastating earthquake in Syria and Türkiye.
Based on the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent Authority (ERC), and in collaboration with Burjeel Hospital, a medical team has been dedicated for the two children to provide urgent treatment at the Burjeel Medical City. Sham, 9, and Omar, 15, were transported to Abu Dhabi by a special medical aircraft.
Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, Minister of State, Hamoud Aljunaibi, Secretary General of the Emirates Red Crescent, Sultan Mohammed Al Shamsi, the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for International Development Affairs, and Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, Founder & Chairman, Burjeel Holdings in the UAE, all received the two children.
As the two children arrived at Burjeel Hospital, the required surgeries were done under the supervision of Dr. Michael George Uglow, as Shan's life was threatened by gangrene that spread in the lower part of the body, and her brother Omar was also saved. Dr. Uglow said that the medical team did everything possible to save their lives, and that the child, Sham, required special surgical procedures due to her poor condition that necessitated immediate medical attention.
The ERC Secretary General emphasised the importance of collaboration between the Emirates Red Crescent and health institutions, including Burjeel Hospital, particularly in such circumstances that necessitate saving people's lives and providing them with the necessary treatment, in a manner that reflects the wise leadership's directives.
Dr. Shamsheer praised the ERC's contribution and the great humanitarian role provided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, as well as H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed's follow-up of those affected by the earthquake.
"We are thankful to the leadership of the UAE and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima," said Bashar Aleeq, a member of the Sham family who accompanied her to Abu Dhabi.
“Doctors in Istanbul told us that Sham required amputations totaling one hundred percent of the size of her limb as a result of the injuries she sustained, and because she did not receive the necessary treatment in a timely manner. Her father strongly rejected the doctors' suggestion. Then, we felt happy after that when it was decided for us to travel to the Emirates aboard a private plane carrying specialised medical personnel, which assured us that we're in good hands and that our situation would be much better,” he added.