The Syrian health system is critically compromised due to over a decade of civil war. With only a fraction of hospitals fully operational, efforts from organizations like MedGlobal aim to address shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Funding limitations and the impact of U.S. sanctions pose significant barriers to recovery. Coordinated efforts involving local authorities and expatriate professionals are crucial for rebuilding the health sector.
The health system of the Syrian Arab Republic is in a critical state due to over a decade of civil war and displacements, now exacerbated by economic sanctions. Following the recent shift in governance after the fall of the Bashar Assad regime, there is an urgent need to restructure the health sector, which has suffered significantly over the years.
The World Health Organization reports that only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health centers in Syria are fully operational, with many lacking basic services. Dr. Zaher Sahloul of MedGlobal highlighted the dire situation, stating that critical health infrastructure is outdated and woefully underfunded.
An emergency plan has been devised by interim authorities, focusing on immediate needs such as fuel, electricity, and essential medical supplies, as disclosed by a senior health official. Additionally, local and international organizations like MedGlobal are working diligently to alleviate these shortages through initiatives designed to support healthcare recovery.
As the Muslim community in Syria observes Ramadan, food shortages have further exacerbated the health crisis, with over 12.9 million people reported as food insecure by the World Food Programme. Malnutrition poses a severe risk, particularly for children, directly impacting their health and wellbeing.
Sahloul emphasized the challenges faced by healthcare professionals who earn a meager $25 per month, which is insufficient to meet basic living expenses. MedGlobal is actively seeking donations to fund critical healthcare services, especially during Ramadan, to sustain essential treatments and hospital operations.
The organization has initiated various programs to combat medical supply shortages, including a significant shipment of $20 million in medical supplies coordinated with the Syrian Ministry of Health. Furthermore, initiatives involving Syrian expatriates aim to support public hospitals and healthcare recovery through strategic planning and resource allocation.
Despite the promising potential for recovery following the Assad regime’s fall, numerous challenges persist, including a lack of a cohesive recovery strategy, the ongoing brain drain of medical professionals, and the weight of U.S. sanctions. Sahloul pointed out the pressing need for a structured approach to health governance and workforce strategy.
The ongoing healthcare crisis includes rising rates of noncommunicable diseases and mental health issues, exacerbated by inadequate resources. The retraction of critical health services and infrastructure from wartime damage underscores the urgency to confront these systemic challenges without the alleviation of sanctions or an established recovery plan.
In conclusion, the healthcare landscape in Syria remains in peril, faced with blockages in resources, skilled personnel, and infrastructural rehabilitation. The necessity of an actionable recovery strategy that incorporates local and international collaboration is paramount for the sustenance of health services and the overall wellbeing of the Syrian populace.
In summary, the Syrian health system is experiencing a critical crisis following years of conflict and displacement. Reports indicate a severe operational deficit in hospitals and health centers, compounded by extreme shortages of medical supplies and personnel. Initiatives from local and international organizations, while promising, need stronger coordination with health authorities to ensure sustained recovery. The lifting of sanctions and a clear, strategic approach to healthcare governance are essential in preventing further deterioration of health outcomes in Syria.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
