Iraqi children receive treatment in Turkey

ANKARA (AA) – Eleven Iraqi children, who were taken to Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GATA), have received medical treatment in Ankara.

These children who were brought to Turkey by a plane on August 27, 2003 by the Office of General Staff and who were accompanied by doctors of Freedom Organization of Iraq Children (FOIC) during their flight to Turkey, will start to be sent back to their country as of next Friday.

GATA Pediatrics Department Chairman Prof. Erdal Gokcay told A.A correspondent on Friday that eight children had been treated and would be sent back to Iraq next weekend.

Gokcay said that they checked health of some children, whose treatment was impossible.

Doctors would continue regular check-up of the treated children and medical assistance could be extended if necessary, Gokcay stated.

Esma Abid, an eight-year old Iraqi girl who is receiving treatment of a genetic skin problem, said that she was afraid of the war in Iraq.

Abid noted that they used to stay in shelters in the mornings and go home at nights.

They were worried when they commuted between shelters and home every day because bombs were falling around, Abid said.