By Momodou Jarju
A three-year-old girl is in need of financial assistance to facilitate her trip abroad for treatment.
According to her medical report from the Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) dated January 5, 2019, Sira Camara was diagnosed with the following:
1) Right hand Index, Middle and Ring Finger burns contractures, and
2) Right dorsum wrist burns contracture with keloid.
The report which is signed by Dr. Kebba S Marenah, indicated that Sira sustained burns to her right hand and forearm in an accident in October 2018, which led to the above contractures developing.
“She underwent finger contracture releases and full skin thickness grafting on 05/01/19. At four weeks, the fingers remained straight and during post-removal of the pins, the contractures reocurred,” the report stated. “Currently, all wounds are completely healed, with no sign of infection, but the contractures remain. She was seen by a plastic surgeon who recommended repeat contracture release with a groin flap for soft tissue coverage. However it is currently not possible to manage this in The Gambia,” the report further said.
EFSTH therefore recommends that young Sira visit a plastic surgery center with paediatric capabilities to continue treatment of both the finger and keloid contractures on the dorsum which affects her wrist and finger palmar flexion.
Awa Cham, Sira’s mother, said they contacted a hospital some time ago in Dakar for her treatment and were charged one million CFA, which amount they cannot afford; that when they recently contacted them, the hospital said the operation can no more be done now because Sira’s condition has worsen.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Cham who is also a nurse by profession, said they have contacted a hospital in India who confirm that they can treat Sira; that the hospital has a full-fledged cosmetic and plastic surgery Unit with excellent facilities to take care of Sira’s medical condition; that Sira will require the release of the contractures, K wire fixation of all her fingers and skin grafting during the first stage of her admission; that she will remain at the hospital for 2 to 3 days and after 6 weeks, the K wires will be removed under general anesthesia.
Mrs Cham said the hospital has charged them about $5, 000.00 (D250, 000.00) in the multi-bedded unit for this first stage of Sira’s admission. She said some people have donated towards the initiative, but what they have so far is not enough and they are calling for the support of all and sundry.
Any good Samaritan who wants to assist young Sira can reach the family on 3191011 / 7209253.
