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Part 1 : Taiwanese Surgeon Reflects On Harrowing Experience While Treating War Victims In Gaza

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The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Personal Account by Dr. Wu Yi-chun

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 7 (Bernama) — Dr. Wu Yi-chun, a seasoned plastic and reconstructive surgeon from Taiwan, has firsthand accounts of the extreme hardships faced by Palestinians in southern Gaza.

Challenges in the Trauma and Burn Unit

Dr. Wu volunteered with Doctors Without Borders (MSF) throughout July at the trauma orthopaedic and burn unit of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, a facility serving a community severely impacted by ongoing conflict and infrastructure challenges. With 12 years of medical experience, Dr. Wu was prepared for demanding conditions, yet the situation in Gaza exceeded his expectations.

The Unreliability of Infrastructure

By the time he arrived, MSF had managed to partially restore the unit, but the conditions remained dire. The hospital struggled with deteriorating infrastructure, unreliable sewer and water systems, and frequent power outages, affecting patient care and safety.

The Scale of the Crisis

Dr. Wu’s commitment to serving those in desperate need drove him to Gaza, where his expertise became crucial in a region lacking sufficient medical professionals. "The hardships here go beyond words," he shared, noting that Palestinians in Khan Yunis are deprived of basic necessities, including secure housing and reliable medical facilities. The scale of the crisis became evident as he described the overwhelming number of patients, with the need for surgeries never ceasing.

The Injuries and Treatment Challenges

Dr. Wu described the unreliable water supply and intermittent air conditioning, even in the operating theatre, where low temperatures are crucial to prevent infections. "It’s amazing to imagine a hospital having blackouts. We had to wear surgical gowns while sweating inside, and flies were everywhere, necessitating fly traps in the operating room. Basic surgical materials and equipment were lacking in many ways," he said.

The Impact on Patients and Treatment

He explained that while the hospital had a generator, fuel blockades meant it could only be used in certain areas, such as the operating theatre, with the lights in the hospital wards and hallways going out several times a day. "You can’t get used to it. It’s something you expect and try to get used to, but every time a bomb goes off, it makes you jump. Sometimes it’s so close that the windows rattle, and the wind blast blows your hair," he said.

The Challenges of Reconstructive Surgery

Dr. Wu was asked if the patients he treated could recover fully with reconstructive surgery, and he replied that due to the severity of the injuries, many could not fully recover. "If you have an open fracture, normally we would use something called an internal fixation, which means a metal plate inside the body," he explained. "But due to poor hygiene, we could only perform external fixation, with metal plates placed outside the body, making the fixation less effective."

Conclusion

Dr. Wu’s experiences in Gaza have left an indelible mark on his mind and heart. "If they need me, I will go. It’s my responsibility to continue to offer my expertise where it’s most needed," he said, reaffirming his commitment to helping those in Gaza.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the most challenging part of your experience in Gaza?
A: The lack of infrastructure and basic necessities, such as water and electricity.

Q: How did you find the medical facilities in Gaza?
A: The hospital was struggling to provide basic care due to the lack of equipment and resources.

Q: What was the most shocking thing you saw during your time in Gaza?
A: The number of children with severe injuries, including open fractures and mutilated limbs.

Q: Will you return to Gaza in the future?
A: Yes, I plan to return next year to continue helping those in need.

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