Asylum seeker reportedly declared 'brain dead' after leaving Manus Island

Immigration department says it has contacted Iranian asylum seeker’s family and it will review his care

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• Oliver Laughland
• theguardian.com, Wednesday 3 September 2014 13.58 AEST

Asylum seeker Hamid Kehazaei. Photograph: Refugee Action Coalition

A 24 year-old Iranian asylum seeker has been declared brain dead, following his emergency medical evacuation from the Manus island detention centre last week, refugee advocates have said.
The man – named by the Refugee Action Coalition (RAC) as Hamid Kehazaei – contracted cellulitis, which developed into septicemia on Manus. RAC say the infection was contracted after Kehazaei cut his foot in the detention centre.
Guardian Australia reported last week there were concerns over delays to Kehazaei’s treatment on Manus. The immigration minister, Scott Morrison, confirmed that the immigration department’s chief medical officer, Paul Douglas, would conduct a review of the background to the man’s medical condition and treatment on Manus.
A group of asylum seekers on Manus have signed a complaint form addressed to detention centre medical providers IHMS about the handling of Kehazaei’s case.
A copy of the form sent to Guardian Australia and to the RAC reads: “To: The management of IHMS. Those who have signed this paper consider you are responsible for any consequence of not treating the illness of our dear friend Hamid Khazay.”
The form appears to be signed by around 50 asylum seekers.

A group of asylum seekers on Manus Island have signed a complaint form about the medical treatment provided to Hamid Kehazaei. Photograph: Supplied

A spokeswoman for IHMS said they would not be commenting on any aspect of the case. A spokeswoman for the Mater hospital also said they could not comment.
RAC spokesman Ian Rintoul said he had been in direct contact with Kehazaei’s family in Iran. They told the RAC Mater hospital representatives would appoint a guardian for Kehazaei who would manage withdrawal of life support.
Guardian Australia has contacted Kehazaei’s family.
On Wednesday morning a spokeswoman Morrison said: “The individual has not died. In respect to the family of the individual, further details are not able to be provided.
“The government is following normal processes for the adult male transferee.
“The family has been engaged.”