Challenges and Recovery of Syria’s Crippled Health System

Syria’s health system struggles with limited operational facilities and critical shortages. Efforts by local NGOs and international organizations, including fundraising initiatives during Ramadan, aim to address urgent medical needs. With significant challenges including sanctions and loss of health professionals, a collaborative approach is necessary for effective recovery of the healthcare sector.

The Syrian health system remains critically impaired following over a decade of civil strife, with a majority of hospitals and health centers rendered non-functional. The World Health Organization reports that only 57% of hospitals and 37% of primary health centers are operating, often at severely limited capacities, putting millions at risk of lacking basic health services.

Dr. Zaher Sahloul, head of the medical charity MedGlobal, emphasized that Syria’s healthcare infrastructure is largely outdated, lacking necessary funding, technology, and health insurance. Currently, the Ministry of Health operates with minimal resources and personnel and is confronted with the monumental task of restructuring health services in a country that desperately needs support.

In response to the dire health situation, Syrian health officials have developed a short-term emergency plan focused on securing critical supplies such as fuel and essential medical items. Local NGOs and international organizations are planning initiatives to mitigate shortages, including the MedGlobal campaign aimed at addressing urgent medical needs during Ramadan, which exacerbates the overall humanitarian crisis.

Currently, Syria’s food insecurity is alarming, with 12.9 million individuals estimated by the World Food Programme to lack sufficient access to nourishment. Many patients are reportedly suffering from malnutrition and other health-related issues due to the food scarcity, particularly as the economy continues to deteriorate, with doctors earning as little as $25 per month.

MedGlobal has amplified its fundraising efforts this Ramadan to support vital services including dialysis and cardiovascular procedures, which are crucial given the extensive patient load. The organization also contributes to addressing the shortage of medical supplies, having dispatched significant donations recently.

Several outreach initiatives open collaboration with Syrian expatriates, such as the REViVE project, to mobilize skilled healthcare professionals for post-conflict recovery efforts. Furthermore, enlisting the expertise of Syrian doctors abroad may be pivotal in developing comprehensive recovery plans for the nation’s health sector.

Challenges persist due to ongoing US sanctions which affect the new government’s operations, hampering much-needed recovery strategies. While immediate needs must be prioritized, forming a coherent strategy for health governance and strengthening human resources is imperative to reverse the devastating effects of the health crisis.

The depletion of medical professionals through exodus combined with limited resources significantly cripples Syria’s health system, requiring urgent measures to mitigate these losses. Initiatives to leverage support from the diaspora aim to reinvigorate the healthcare workforce and maintain essential services.

Syria is also confronting several public health crises, including the rise of antibiotic-resistant infections and a growing mental health crisis. The lack of resources poses additional threats to public health, highlighting the critical need for support and strategic approaches to these persistent challenges as the nation strives for recovery.

The current state of Syria’s health system, grappling with severe shortages and a lack of resources, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive initiatives and collaboration both locally and internationally. The efforts by NGOs and the diaspora, alongside the Ministry of Health, are crucial in navigating the path toward recovery. However, a clear strategy addressing the long-term needs of the health sector and lifting of sanctions is essential to rebuild Syria’s healthcare infrastructure effectively.

Original Source: www.arabnews.com