WZO Trust’s Update On Er. Zahan Turel Who Suffered Burn Injuries

Community members are aware that 15-year-young Mobed Zahan Turel suffered from burns injuries on 24^th October, 2020, when his jama caught fire, whilst performing the Rapithvan Geh Boi ceremony, at Goti Adarian, Surat. Since WZO Trusts used their good offices to raise funds from institutions and individuals, details of injuries, treatment, donations and expenditures are being shared in the public domain by way of accountability towards donors.

Injuries And Treatment: After a short stint of a few hours at a local Surat hospital for immediate treatment, Er. Zahan was transferred to Mumbai’s Masina Hospital on 25^th October, 2020, under the care of burns and plastic surgery specialists – Dr. Suhas Abhyankar and Dr. A M Vartak.

Er. Zahan was found to have suffered 48.50% severe and deep burns on his entire upper body, neck, both hands, ears. Doctor’s informed that the first 3 weeks were critical and saving Zahan from any sort of infection was the only priority. Fortunately, his face and legs were not damaged. Doctors conveyed that probably the entire affected body would need skin grafting, which would be a long haul. Three graftings were expected to be done.

At the time of admission Er. Zahan tested Covid Positive and was immediately moved to Covid ICU for isolation. This hindered treatment for a few days as the plastic surgeon and burns specialist were not allowed to enter COVID ward. After intense treatment, his Covid report came negative and was again shifted to Normal ICU on 5^th November, 2020.

During his stay at Masina Hospital, Er. Zahaan was given treatment which included two skin grafting surgeries performed on 21^st November and 16^th December, 2020. He was discharged from Masina Hospital on 4^th January, 2021.

Post discharge his daily massage and dressings are being done in Mumbai. Currently there are few patches left to be healed, in due course of time. Daily dressing will be done till the skin stabilizes, expected to continue for 2 months from the date of discharge. Daily occupational therapy is presently being undertaken at Masina Hospital’s Occupational Therapy Centre. He continues to receive regular counseling.

In the future, Er. Zahan would need to wear pressure garments for two to three years. He may also require reconstructive surgeries and / or cosmetic surgery.

Though Er. Zahan is unable to sit for long period of time, he has decided to appear for his school board exams and has started gradual preparations for the same.

Expenses as on 22^nd January 2021:

Rs.       53,000: Initial treatment at Surat Hospital.

Rs. 30,34,000: Treatment at Masina Hospital.

Rs. 30,87,000: Total

Donations And Insurance:

Rs.    6,00,000:  From a donor who has paid directly to Masina Hospital.

Rs.    6,00,000:  From insurance company.

Rs.    9,00,000:  From various donors who have paid directly to Er. Zahan’s family.

Rs.  43,78,781:  Raised by WZO Trusts from donors within India.

Rs.  53,47,941:  Raised by WZO Trusts from donors overseas.

Rs.1,18,26,722: Total

WZO Trust’s are holding Rs. 77,26,722 on behalf of funds raised by them and will be handing over the amount soon to Er. Zahan Turel’s family for his continuing treatment, as well as possible further treatment at Shriner’s Children Hospital, in Boston (USA) – modalities and logistics of which are being worked out.

WZO Trusts profusely thank institutions and individuals who have collectively contributed towards this humanitarian effort and pray that young Zahan will quickly overcome the set back, rejoin the mainstream, continue to serve the community, and be blessed with a sound future.