The Syrian healthcare system is severely compromised due to years of conflict, leaving 57% of hospitals and 37% of health centers operational. Medical professionals face low salaries and dire shortages of supplies. Initiatives like MedGlobal’s campaign aim to address these issues, but a cohesive recovery strategy is crucial to prevent further deterioration of health services in Syria.
The Syrian healthcare system is in dire straits due to over a decade of war, fragmentation, and sanctions, leaving it barely functional. Post-regime change, the new authorities must undertake the challenge of rebuilding the health sector amidst monumental obstacles, including a significant lack of resources and operational facilities. Currently, only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health centers are fully operational, significantly impacting access to basic healthcare for millions.
Dr. Zaher Sahloul from MedGlobal highlights the decay of hospitals and healthcare services: “Hospitals are outdated, primary health care centers lack essential services.” The Ministry of Health faces the enormous task of rejuvenating the healthcare system but is severely restricted by limited personnel and budget. An emergency plan has been initiated to address immediate needs for fuel and medical supplies.
Various organizations are stepping in, launching initiatives like MedGlobal’s “Rebuilding Syria” campaign. This effort is crucial as the country observes Ramadan, exacerbating food and medical supply shortages. The World Food Programme notes that over 12.9 million Syrians are food insecure, with a substantial portion facing acute hunger, contributing to severe malnutrition, especially among children.
Sahloul stresses that although Syrian doctors show immense dedication, their average monthly wage of $25 is insufficient for basic living expenses. This dire financing situation, compounded by ongoing sanctions, necessitates urgent fundraising efforts, particularly during Ramadan, to support critical health services.
In response to increasing healthcare needs, MedGlobal has sent $20 million in medical supplies to Syrian hospitals and is continuously looking to boost operational capacity. Their partnerships with local NGOs and the Syrian diaspora aim to create lasting healthcare improvements and utilize expatriate expertise for recovery efforts.
Specific programs under initiatives like REViVE and Taafi Homs are aimed at developing public hospital frameworks and activating essential medical facilities, despite the overall absence of a cohesive health governance strategy. The brain drain of medical professionals, driven by limited opportunities and poor compensation, remains a critical barrier to recovery.
Sahloul emphasizes the importance of retaining healthcare workers through better compensation, training, and updated technology. Simultaneously, the rise of public health issues such as multidrug-resistant bacteria and noncommunicable diseases underscores the immediate need for comprehensive healthcare strategies. Without addressing these systemic issues and lifting sanctions, Syria’s healthcare will continue to deteriorate, affecting the lives of countless individuals.
In summary, Syria’s health system is critically damaged but presents an opportunity for reconstruction following the recent regime change. While medical professionals and organizations strive to provide essential services under immense constraints, the long-term recovery hinges on improved governance and strategic planning. The lack of funding, infrastructural support, and personnel retention must be tackled urgently to prevent a complete healthcare collapse and address the burgeoning public health crises facing the nation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
