Ubari – Concerns are rising in Ubari as cases of scorpion stings increase during the summer. Ongoing maintenance work at Ubari General Hospital is placing extra pressure on local rural health facilities. These centers face major challenges in treating critical cases that require advanced medical care. The lack of local intensive care units means patients must be transported long distances to other cities. This poses risks for severely ill patients, especially children.
Khadija Al-Andeedi, director of the Noor Al-Ilm Center in Ubari, called on health authorities to raise preparedness for the growing number of scorpion sting cases. She stressed that while the area does not suffer from a shortage of antivenom, it urgently needs enhanced critical care and the ability to manage serious complications.
Al-Andeedi explained that, in some cases, patients suffer acute complications or go into shock even after receiving antivenom. These situations require immediate intervention in intensive care. Children are particularly at risk due to weaker immunity and the need for rapid treatment.
She added that the Noor Al-Ilm Center continues to admit scorpion sting cases regularly. Recently, the center treated a young girl who was stung late at night, providing her with first aid and ongoing care.
Al-Andeedi emphasized that the urgent priority is to make Ubari General Hospital fully operational, ensuring comprehensive care is available locally. This would eliminate the need to transfer emergency cases to distant regions, which can endanger patients’ lives.
She also called on the General Command of the Armed Forces and First Lieutenant Commander Saddam Khalifa Haftar to intervene by launching urgent campaigns to combat scorpions. These campaigns should include spraying, disinfection, and cleaning in Ubari and its suburbs, similar to efforts last year that helped reduce the spread of scorpions and lower the number of stings.
Al-Andeedi noted that July and August are approaching, with higher temperatures that increase scorpion activity. She urged immediate preventive action and heightened readiness to protect people in the area.
She concluded by stressing the need for cooperation among the health and service sectors to provide necessary medical resources. She warned that protecting lives, especially those of children, depends on the community’s ability to address this seasonal threat.