Mahdia tragedy: One girl to be flown overseas for much-needed treatment

One girl who was rescued from the horrific fire at the female dormitory of the Mahdia Secondary School will soon fly overseas for much-needed treatment, Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips said on Friday.

Two girls are said to be receiving critical care at the Georgetown Public Hospital. One girl is, however, in need of further treatment to guarantee her safety.

And so, the Prime Minister said she will be taken overseas for specialised care.

“We identified one of the girls who, in the shortest possible time, will be sent overseas.

“We haven’t yet determined where she will go but based on the doctor’s word, that girl has been identified for further treatment overseas and she is being prepared to be sent overseas,” Prime Minister Phillips told the News Room.

On Thursday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali highlighted that his government received treatment offers for the girls from the Government of Cuba and the Shriners Hospital in Texas, United States of America (USA).

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also said most of the injured girls and their families are receiving necessary mental health support. Four girls, who were affected by the fire, are yet to be transported to Georgetown for specialised care.

“Before the end of this weekend, we envisage that we will satisfy that requirement- having all of the girls who were in the dorm evaluated in Georgetown,” he said.

Efforts are also being made to provide other support, whether cash or kind, to the affected families. Some family members have been flown to Georgetown while others are in their far-flung villages in Region Eight.

The devastating fire started after 23:00 hrs on Sunday night and continued into the wee hours of Monday morning. Authorities confirmed that 18 girls and one boy died in the fire. (Vishani Ragobeer)