Syrian refugees in Turkey: numbers and emotions

764 www.thelancet.com Vol 382 August 31, 2013 Roughly 500 000 Syrians live in and outside the camps in Turkey. Basic needs such as shelter, food, health care, but also education, social activity facilities, play areas (fi gure), and employment opportunities are needed, and are provided as much as possible. According to AFAD Director General, Turkey spent US$1·5 billion for Syrian refugees. Health-care services are provided through primary health-care centres, 112 medical emergency stations, and tent hospitals. Thousands of seriously injured Syrians were brought to Turkey for emergency operations or intensive care. More than 1·2 million patient consultations for Syrian refugees were registered in outpatient settings. Beyond numbers, there is also an emotional burden. Being away from home and facing uncertainty about the future affects Syrian refugees psychologically, socially, and physically. Health-care workers providing services to this vulnerable population are also aff ected. Doctors are now providing services to a large population with no medical records, who are socially and psychologically affected, and with a language barrier. Doctors face situations that are very difficult to manage. They work long hours, and manage several urgent cases. As a nurse explained to us, it is not just wounds caused by bombs or bullets that need treatment, but also spiritual wounds, fears, and pains, which need to be healed.