Because the security forces have been given free rein of the hospitals they have been able to intimidate medical staff and force them to participate in torturing and interrogating patients who they are suppose to be caring for. Clinna Nasser, researcher for Amnesty International stated that
"It is deeply alarming that the Syrian authorities seem to have given the security forces a free rein in hospitals, and that in many cases hospital staff appear to have taken part in torture and ill treatment of the very people they are supposed to care for,"One witness was reported saying "There were around seven or eight security men, some carrying rifles, and nurses wearing white robes crowded around him. He opened his eyes and said: 'Where am I?' They all suddenly jumped on him and started beating him and hitting him."
As this disturbing news is being whispered around Syria, state-run hospitals are seeing less casualties coming through their doors especially those suffering from gun shot wounds since May. Which totally contradicts the amount of deaths and casualties out on the street. Instead many patients are seeking medical attention at Private Hospitals or not seeking medical attention at all. However private hospitals are finding it diffcult to access blood from the Central Blood Bank as it is controlled by the Defence Ministry. A medic describes why this a huge problem.
"We faced a dilemma every time we received a patient with a firearm injury and an urgent need of blood: if we send a request to the Central Blood Bank, the security would know about him and we would be putting him at risk or arrest and torture, and possibly death in custody."Medical Staff are even being tortured and interrogated themselves if they are suspected of not reporting patients to the authorities.
If you want to find out more or see what Amnesty International is doing you should look up this site.http://www.amnesty.org.nz/news/climate-fear-syrias-hospitals-patients-and-medics-targeted
Love Beauté
