Nairobi (ICRC) – Up to 80 wounded patients were in need of medical assistance following the two explosions that hit the town of Gaalkacyo in the morning of 21st of August 2016. Both the University Teaching Hospital, Gaalkacyo (UTHG) and the Gaalkacyo Medical Centre (GMC) responded to the emergency, treating the wounded.
Both explosions occurred near the gate of the municipal council. The second explosion took place while people were busy helping the injured. At least 25 people were killed in the attacks.
The explosions caused substantial structural damage to the hospital and disrupted its activities. ©ICRC/Peter Lick
Four staff members of the UTHG which is located in close vicinity to the site of the explosions were injured. Furthermore, the explosions caused substantial structural damage to the hospital and disrupted its activities. Many of the patients already present at the hospital and most of the casualties of the blasts had to be transferred to the GMC.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) quickly sent medical supplies to both the UTHG and the GMC to assist the injured. The medical supplies provided by ICRC included 15 stretchers, 2 weapon wounded kits which contain drugs and equipment to do surgery and treat up to 100 hospitalized patients. ICRC also supplied creams to treat burns and material to stabilize fractures. In addition, tents for admitting patients were provided to allow the UTHG to continue its day to day work.
Peter Lick, an ICRC delegate who visited the hospital a few days after the explosions, described the situation as deeply concerning. “This is terrible tragedy,” said Peter. “Patients, medical workers and health facilities must be spared from violence during armed conflict.”
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