Members of the Mardin-Şırnak Chamber of Pharmacists have issued a report detailing health problems in Kobanê. The report draws attention to a continuing epidemic of Leishmaniasis, which is caused by the bite of certain kinds of sand flies. The disease causes skin ulcers, fever and swelling of the spleen and liver. Early treatment is essential to prevent spread of the disease. The report said the epidemic began 45 days ago and that there is a lack of the drugs necessary to treat the disease. "Further epidemics are likely, given the rising temperatures and the existence of corpses under the rubble,” the report adds. The report stressed there is an urgent need for insecticide.

The delegation from the Mardin-Şırnak Chamber of Pharmacists visited Kobanê on 21 April. Bülent Boz announced the delegations findings in Mardin. He stressed there was an even more urgent need than ever for support in Kobanê.

Boz said around 90 thousand people have returned to Kobanê, adding that their needs were being met by aid collected in Suruç.

'40 people a day going to pharmacies, clinics and hospital’

Boz said there was one hospital, two health centres and 15 pharmacies providing health services in the city. “There are 12 doctors, 17 nurses, 12 health assistants and 2 pharmacists. On average, 40 people a day are coming to the various health centres for treatment, half of them civilians.”

Boz continued to read out the report: He said that:

* 40% of patients were infants and children. 

* 20% of patients only come for medication.

* Most common illnesses are bronchial complaints, gastroenteritis and other intestinal problems and asthma.

* An outbreak of Leishmaniasis that began 45 days ago is continuing.  There are no drugs available to treat it and insecticide has yet to be used to counteract this epidemic.

* Due to the lack of water and insufficient housing lice and scabies are frequently encountered. There is a risk of further epidemics if conditions do not improve.

* With the rise in temperatures outbreaks of disease are likely to be caused by the presence of corpses under rubble.

* No inoculations of babies have taken place for 8 months. There is an increase in the number of cases of measles.

* There is an increase in cases of psychological problems, particularly amongst women.

* There has been an increase recently in numbers of premature births.  

* There is insufficient sterilisation of instruments. This situation may also lead to outbreaks of disease.

* There is a serious shortage of surgeons and orthopaedic personnel.

Proposals:

* The corpses under the rubble must be dealt with appropriately as soon as possible.

* A humanitarian corridor must be established between Turkey and Kobanê.

* At least two properly equipped hospitals must be established in the city.

* The entire city must be sprayed with insecticide to deal with the epidemic of Leishmaniasis.  

* The city’s drinking water system must be reconstructed to prevent the risk of epidemics.

* At least two mobile health centres should be set up to serve rural areas.

* Urgent vaccination programmes should be introduced.

* Fuel such as diesel used in generators meeting the need for electricity should be included within the scope of humanitarian aid and supplied to the city.

* A broad programme involving psychiatrists and psychologists should be set up in order to treat the problems experienced by women in particular.

* Shortage of surgeons and orthopaedic personnel should be dealt with.

* In order for the city to recover rapidly the Mürşitpınar border crossing should be given the status of a customs post so that trade can be carried on.