Thousands of Yazidis were massacred and thousands were kidnapped during the attacks of ISIS mercenaries on 3 August 2014 in Shengal.

When the attacks started, institutions, organizations and security forces affiliated with the Kurdistan Region and Iraq left the region.

There were serious problems in the field of health during the attacks. Hundreds of people, including old people, children and women, lost their lives because of lack of medical equipment, doctors and health workers.

With the liberation of Shengal, the establishment of a democratic system meant the reconstruction of the city and villages which favoured the return of the people who had left. Likewise health issues were considered a priority by the new administration.

The work carried out in the field of health in Shengal and the achievements obtained have been growing every passing day and the difficult times have been slowly left behind.

Towards the end of 2014, a Health Committee was established in Shengal with the support of Heyva Sor. The committee members visited the Serdest Camp every day and tried to find solutions to the problems of the people. Health works were carried out in tents for about a year.

Expansion of the first hospital and health network

After the mercenaries were cleared from Shengal and its surrounding, the possibilities increased and health services were expanded.

The Şubat Şehit Zinar Hospital was opened in February 2015 in Serdest Camp. With the opening of the hospital, better service was provided to the public. Furthermore, hospitals in the town of Xanesor and Borik, medical centers in the villages of Mediban and Bircari were also opened.

30 health workers are in service

There are 3 doctors working in the hospitals in Serdest, Xanesor and Borik. Two of the doctors are specialised in diabetes, typhoid fever, influenza and kidney diseases. A doctor takes care of gynecology.

Shengal has 3 hospitals and 2 health centers. In hospitals and health centers, a total of 30 health workers are attending the public. Every day between 8 and 12, patients are admitted in polyclinics while the emergency is open 24 hours a day.

One of the patients treated at Xanesor Martyrs' Hospital, Macid Miço told Rojnews: "The hospital provides equal service to everyone without any discrimination. We are very pleased with the services provided. If it wasn't for this, we would have to go to Hewler and Duhok for every problem."

Health education

After the proclamation of the Shengal Democratic Autonomous Assembly, a Health Committee was established under the roof of the Assembly. The committee expanded its activities over time. Awareness raising and training activities were carried out among the public. Dozens of young people were trained in 5 different educational activities in villages and towns.

"As the people of Shengal, we need health care. As young people participating in this training cycle, we believe that we will contribute to our people in the future," said Xezal Mecdin, who received his training in Duhla.

Obstacles faced

In hospitals and health centers due to the lack of many facilities health services in all areas can not be provided. Patients requiring surgery are referred to Mosul, Hewler and Duhok.

However often patiences have to deal with roads closed by the authorities which clearly poses a serious problem. The only way which patients could use was the humanitarian corridor in Rojava. However, on 15 January 2018, this road was closed by the Iraqi army. Currently, serious patients are sent to Mosul and Duhok through families.

Relations with Baghdad

The Iraqi Ministry of Health has not yet given any help or support to the Shengal Health Committee. Communication was established to open the humanitarian corridor in Rojava. However, no results came out of this meeting.

Therefore, patients in serious conditions are referred to Mosul and Duhok. Shengal Health Committee Manager Ebdi Sileman said: "Our facilities are very limited. As Commission we have been serving the public for days. Despite our shortcomings, we are trying to respond to all demands and needs."

Doctor Sileman added: "The humanitarian corridor between Shengal and Rojava should be opened. The government of Baghdad should also help us in this matter."