Inquiry sought into brain death of asylum seeker

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The former director of mental health services at Manus Island has called for an independent investigation into the brain death of an asylum seeker who remains on life support in Brisbane.

Peter Young from International Health and Mental Services (IHMS) said he was not aware of the circumstances in this case but logistical and bureaucratic delays in providing care were “part and parcel” of holding people in such remote locations.

Dr Young said he did not consider the chief medical officer of the department, Paul Douglas, to be independent as Mr Douglas had previously accused health service providers of being risk-averse.

The 24-year-old man, Hamid Kehazaei, was evacuated to the mainland last Thursday and was pronounced brain dead on Wednesday night at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital, refugee advocates said.