A DOCTOR who cared for Afghan refugees arriving on flights to British airports from “war-torn” Kabul called the experience “humiliating.”
Luke Tester, an A and E doctor in Brighton, said the treatment of families who fled the country after the Taliban takeover was unlike anything he had experienced before.
The 27-year-old, who signed up to help St. John Ambulance, said: “Walking into a terminal and seeing hundreds and hundreds of people going through absolute commotion was very moving.
Afghan refugees arrive in the UK
“Many arrived dehydrated and malnourished, as well as exhausted, after days of waiting outside Kabul airport, where they had been exposed to the elements as they tried to secure their passage to a safe place.
“But it is the disabled and young people who have been affected the most.
“I took care of a three month old baby who arrived very sick, she had a hell of an experience for someone so young.
“Later I had the pleasure of reuniting her with her worried family, which was wonderful.
“Not only had this family just barely escaped from a murderous, war-torn town, but they had also had all their possessions stolen – clothes, jewelry, souvenirs: everything was gone – as they did. queuing at Kabul airport.
“I can’t imagine the pain they had to endure.”
The charity has been supporting hundreds of refugees since Monday as they arrive in the UK from Afghanistan via Birmingham and Manchester airports, providing first aid volunteers and paramedics.
Taliban fighters patrol the Wazir Akbar Khan neighborhood in the city of Kabul, Afghanistan,
Dr Tester said: “I saw the horrific scenes of Kabul on TV and just wanted to play a part and provide expert medical care, but also just warmly welcome these poor people after their tumultuous and terrifying journey.
“It has been a real privilege and it is a lesson in humility. I feel very proud and inspired by the humanity that I saw there.
“Exhausted and sick people who have lived the unimaginable but still comforting each other. Children who realize they are safe start playing and smiling again.
“There has been incredible support for these people from the public, I just hope this continues as they settle down and start building their lives here.”
Several charities have said they have been inundated with donations from the public in response to their appeals in Afghanistan.
The British Red Cross said it had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the kindness shown by citizens who raised more than £ 1million to equip refugees with basic necessities such as food, warm clothes, blankets, shoes and hygiene kits, including soap, diapers and toothbrushes. .
The money has also been used to help staff provide emotional support to those arriving and to support the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-09-01 05:00:00