Syria’s healthcare system struggles with severe operational inadequacies, exacerbated by a decade of war and sanctions. With only a fraction of hospitals functioning, medical professionals face critical shortages and poor wages. Initiatives by NGOs aim to provide immediate relief, yet a comprehensive recovery plan is crucial for long-term sustainability.
The Syrian Arab Republic’s healthcare system is severely compromised after over a decade of civil war, sanctions, and the mass displacement of medical professionals. The regime’s collapse has presented an opportunity to rebuild the health sector, yet currently, only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health centers are fully operational, suffering from critical shortages. Dr. Zaher Sahloul of MedGlobal emphasizes the outdated facilities, lack of essential services, and severe funding limitations faced by the Ministry of Health.
Authorities have developed an interim short-term emergency plan to address the pressing issues of fuel, electricity, and medical supplies. According to Zuhair Qarat from the Ministry of Health, essentials are critically lacking, impacting not only patients but also medical staff. Local NGOs and international organizations, including MedGlobal, have initiated campaigns to mitigate these shortages, particularly as Ramadan further exacerbates food insecurity.
A report by the World Food Programme states that over 12.9 million Syrians are food insecure, with approximately 3 million facing acute hunger. Despite capable doctors working under challenging conditions, their income remains alarmingly low, averaging just $25 a month. MedGlobal is currently amplifying fundraising initiatives to support various health programs during Ramadan, including aid for chronic disease patients and dialysis services.
Efforts to enhance medical supply, such as the recent delivery of $20 million in supplies to Syrian hospitals, are accompanied by initiatives like REViVE, which engages Syrian expatriates to aid recovery. Furthermore, the Homs Healthcare Recovery initiative has employed physicians from the diaspora to address public hospital needs, activating critical services like cardiac care and mental health support.
While these initiatives are addressing immediate healthcare needs, Dr. Sahloul warns that the need for a comprehensive recovery strategy remains critical. He advocates for a collaborative framework that enhances healthcare governance and human resources, placing the Ministry of Health at the core of recovery efforts. Without a cohesive approach, ongoing resource shortages may lead to further deterioration of the healthcare system and exacerbate the exodus of medical professionals.
The flight of medical talent from Syria is heightened by sanctions and poor conditions; Syria has lost over 70% of its healthcare workforce. To stem this brain drain, better compensation, improved training, and updated facilities are essential. Moreover, the urgency of tackling public health crises, including rising noncommunicable diseases and prevalent mental health issues, cannot be overstated. Though there have been positive changes post-regime, long-term improvements hinge on the lifting of sanctions and a cohesive healthcare recovery strategy.
In summary, Syria’s healthcare system remains on the brink of collapse due to prolonged conflict and structural challenges. While initiatives by local NGOs and international organizations like MedGlobal aim to alleviate immediate hardships, significant reforms and investments in the healthcare sector are essential for sustainable recovery. The reinstatement of skilled medical professionals and comprehensive support strategies will be crucial to rebuilding the healthcare landscape in Syria.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
