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An 11y/o refugee needs surgery or faces permanent disability.

 

This little boy is being denied the care he needs – and now he may be left permanently disabled.

An 11-year-old boy who fractured his left arm four weeks ago may be left permanently disabled after being denied proper medical care, Australian doctors say.

The Iranian boy, a refugee living in the community on Nauru, fractured his arm on May 4.

While his arm was set in a cast, he is still in constant pain and has not been given the surgery required for his specific type of fracture.

Doctors for Refugees co-founder Dr Barri Phatarfod says the International Health and Medical Services (IHMS) and local doctors have not decided whether to operate — even though the window for this specific type of fracture is usually two weeks, The Guardian reports.

It has now been a month since the boy hurt his arm, and the time for action is ticking.

Related content: Review into Nauru confirms violence, abuse, rape and a culture of fear.

Eleven Australian doctors have all said surgery is required to prevent the boy from losing complete function of his arm, according to Dr Phatarfod.

“It is a fracture of both forearm bones,” she told Mamamia.

“If he doesn’t receive immediate surgery he will likely expect long-term disability of his arm, with inability to rotate.

“This the movement used in turning handles, opening jars and, if left handed, with writing.”

Dr Phatarfod is concerned those resettled on the island are not getting access to appropriate medical care.

IHMS is contracted by the government to provide health care to those in detention centres on Nauru, as well as to the refugees living in the Nauru community.

Mamamia has sought comment from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

Related: Is there a human right to asylum? The Castan Centre for Human Rights Law answers the question in this short video:

Do you have a story to share? Email news@mamamia.com.au.

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A suicidal pregnant woman told to give birth on Nauru or go home.

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Top Comments

aka 9 years ago

Pls tell us what we can do to help him. I want to help. Who do we have to contact?

Sally 9 years ago

I have emailed the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection,

Peter Dutton to object to this violation of human rights.

http://www.minister.immi.go...


antipop 9 years ago

Do we know what sort of fractures they are?