Turkey's hospital treats Turkish Cypriot to save sight

By Yesim Sert Karaaslan

ANKARA (AA) - A Turkish Cypriot who had a risk of losing his sight was brought to Turkey for treatment during a time when flights were suspended to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Suffering from diabetics for over tens years, Ibrahim Igrek, who lives in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, was brought to Turkey by a private jet for treatment.

“I would like to thank Turkey for providing me the opportunity to be treated during a time when the world is struggling against coronavirus,” he said.

The world is in a giant pause due to the pandemic and flights across the world are suspended to prevent the spread of the virus.

“I am so happy that I am survived from losing my sight. What can I say more? I am seeing, and living, nothing else matters,” he said.

His son Esat Igrek praised the Turkish health system, saying: “I'm proud of Turkey’s unique health system.”

His doctor Umut Guner said Igrek’s vision level rose around 60-70% after an operation on his left eye.

“It is expected to reach 90% in one to two months,” Guner said, and added: “If he had been late, he would have lost his vision.”

After originating in China last December, COVID-19 has spread to at least 187 countries and regions. Europe and the US are currently the worst-hit regions.

The pandemic has killed more than 264,600 people worldwide, with total infections over 3.78 million, while recoveries surpassed 1.25 million, according to figures compiled by the US’ Johns Hopkins University.