The family of Hamid Kehazaei, the young Iranian seeking asylum from Australia who was declared brain dead due to delay in receiving treatment in Manus Island, have given doctors permission to switch off his life support machine.
The family were told it was likely Kehazaei’s life support would be switched off on Friday evening, they told Guardian Australia from Tehran.
Kehazaei’s brother Mehei confirmed to Guardian Australia that the family had given permission for Hamid’s organs to be donated in Australia.
Hamid Kehazaei, was airlifted from Papua New Guinea to Brisbane last week for emergency treatment for a life-threatening skin infection.
According to the Refugee Action Coalition, Mr Kehazaei cut his foot about two weeks ago and the wound was very small, but got infected quickly.
He was suffering from septicaemia from an infection which spread from the cut.
Mr Kehazaei sought medical attention a number of times, and by the time he received it “he had to be helped to walk”, said Mr Rintoul of Refugee Action Coalition in an interview.
He was transferred to a hospital in Brisbane last Wednesday, where he subsequently suffered a heart attack.
Mr Kehazaei was one of the first asylum seekers to be transferred to Manus Island by the former Rudd Government.
“Hamid is a victim of the shocking conditions and medical neglect on Manus Island. It is inexcusable that he developed septicaemia,” Mr Rintoul said.
“Nothing more obviously reveals Manus Island as a unhygienic hell-hole that must be closed.”
A letter signed by Manus Island detainees has accused the Australian organization behind the health of asylum seekers responsible for the “death” of Hamid.
Dated September 1, the letter is directed to the International Health and Medical Services (IHMS), says: “those who have signed this paper consider you are responsible for any consequences of not treating the illness of our dear friend.”
