Medical error turns IDP’s life from Syria’s Deir ez-Zor upside down
A medical malpractice has changed the life of Barakat al-Hamad, an IDP from Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria - North Press
By Muhammad Habash
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Over his motorcycle that he rides with one leg, Barakat al-Hamad, from the town of Abu Kamal in the east of Deir ez-Zor, eastern Syria, recalls how medical malpractice has changed his life.
The 38-year-old man was shot by a stray bullet fired during clashes between armed opposition factions and the Syrian government forces in 2012.
Despite seeking treatment in Deir ez-Zor hospitals, medical malpractice resulted in the amputation of his leg.
“I was in the street when I was shot with several bullets in my chest and leg,” al-Hamad told North Press.
“After being hit, I was transported to a hospital where I underwent surgery. A few days later, we called the doctor who did the surgery to remove the surgical suction drain. When he came, he was angry because he had to come on a holiday. He removed the drain aggressively and caused wounds,” he said.
The wounds became inflamed, forcing al-Hamad to undergo a series of medical treatments to heal the inflammation. “At the end, my leg was amputated because of the inflammation,” he said.
After being disabled
Al-Hamad left Abu Kamal after the armed conflict escalated between belligerents. He moved to Raqqa, Tabqa, and Amuda, looking for security and stability. Finally, he settled in the city of Qamishli, northeast Syria, along with his wife and three children.
The man’s disability changed his life as it prevented him from practicing his profession as a wiring technician. He was no longer able to practice his hobby, fishing.
“My life shifted entirely, and I lost my job,” he said.
“At the beginning, I could not cope with my new situation, however, after time passed, Allah granted me a strong will to continue for my family,” al-Hamad said.
He decided to sell bread using his motorcycle instead of staying at home and did not let his disability get in the way.
“I did not surrender. I lived as a normal man and overcame my disability,” he added.
The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes most common medical errors to misdiagnosis, erroneous prescriptions, misuse of medicines, and erroneous amputation of body parties.
In this case, it can be classified as medical negligence due to the medical staff’s failure to provide the health care, which led to its damage.
Al-Hamad called on doctors to treat patients more humanely. “I wish doctors sympathize with us and treat us morally,” he said.