The Syrian Arab Republic’s health system is critically compromised due to years of conflict and sanctions, with only 57% of hospitals operational. Efforts to rebuild the sector include local and international aid, highlighted by MedGlobal’s campaigns. Challenges persist, such as medical supply shortages and a significant exodus of healthcare professionals, necessitating urgent strategies and collaboration to ensure recovery.
The Syrian Arab Republic is experiencing a critical healthcare crisis, exacerbated by over a decade of civil war, sanctions, and professional displacement. With the fall of the Bashar Assad regime, efforts are underway to rebuild the health sector. According to the World Health Organization, only 57 percent of hospitals and 37 percent of primary health centers are fully operational but face severe shortages, leaving millions without adequate healthcare access.
Dr. Zaher Sahloul, head of the medical charity MedGlobal, noted, “Hospitals are outdated, primary health care centers lack essential services, technology is obsolete, and there is no health insurance, funding, or digitization.” He emphasized the need for comprehensive rebuilding efforts within the healthcare system. A senior Syrian health official stated that an interim authority has implemented a short-term emergency plan to focus on vital resources, such as fuel and medical supplies.
Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international aid efforts are being mobilized, including MedGlobal’s “Rebuilding Syria” initiative, aimed at addressing medical supply shortages. As Ramadan approaches, food shortages exacerbate challenges, with over half of Syria’s population—approximately 12.9 million people—facing food insecurity. The average monthly salary for a Syrian doctor is merely $25, posing challenges for healthcare sustainability.
In response to the urgent needs, MedGlobal has launched a fundraising campaign to support vital programs, including dialysis services and nutritional support for patients during Ramadan. They have also dispatched $20 million in medical supplies to various hospitals. Collaborative efforts like REViVE engage Syrian expatriates in healthcare recovery, alongside initiatives that employ diaspora doctors to assist in reviving healthcare in local hospitals.
The healthcare situation necessitates a strategic overhaul of health governance and improved collaboration between the Ministry of Health and NGOs. Without this, the healthcare system risks further deterioration, compounded by a persistent brain drain of professionals. Sahloul identified the urgent need to address U.S. sanctions, which hinder recovery efforts. He expressed concern that ongoing shortages may lead to dire health outcomes, stating, “Humanitarian and emergency aid won’t be enough.”
The public health crisis in Syria encompasses multidrug-resistant infections and a mental health crisis, driven by trauma and addiction associated with new drug production. Noncommunicable diseases are on the rise due to a lack of resources and medication affordability. Although initial steps toward change have been taken, including the removal of Assad’s portraits from previously controlled hospitals, substantial barriers remain without the lifting of sanctions and a concerted recovery strategy. The struggle to provide essential care continues amid overwhelming challenges faced by Syrian healthcare professionals, alongside ongoing shortages in electricity and basic supplies.
In conclusion, Syria’s healthcare system is currently under immense duress, characterized by a significant shortage of resources and personnel. The transition following the fall of the Assad regime offers a potential pathway for recovery; however, the persistent challenges such as U.S. sanctions and the brain drain of medical professionals impede progress. Local and international initiatives, such as those led by MedGlobal, are crucial in addressing these deficits while emphasizing the necessity of collaborative strategies and sustained support for the rebuilding of the health sector.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
