The heavy embargo imposed on North and East Syria since the beginning of the conflict in the country has caused the basic infrastructure in all areas of life, especially in the health sector, to collapse.

According to experts, the health system in Syria, including in North and East Syria, could not modernize and develop itself in general because of the conflict in the region.

Ciwan Mistefa, Co-Chair of the North and East Syria Health Board, stated that the North and East Syria regions did not have a single health system, while the system that managed the work of hospitals and health centres and secured the medical care of residents has been damaged.

HEALTH SERVICE

Since its establishment in 2018, the North and East Syrian Health Board has been trying to implement new projects for the construction of hospitals and health centres in the region within its limited means.

Speaking to ANHA, Ciwan Mistefa said that all the health services provided so far covered only emergency response and treatment and failed to establish a strategic health system to serve for a long period of time. Mistefa stated that there were deficiencies in many areas of healthcare in the region. He emphasized the fact that a new health system was needed to respond to the current situation in the region.

MAJOR PROJECTS UNFINISHED

The North and East Syrian Health Board announced its plan for 2023 during its annual meeting on January 9, 2023. The plan contained major projects such as the opening of blood centres and clinics in the region, construction of a hospital and a new health system.

Speaking about the Health Board's strategic 2023 projects which aim to bring about a major change in the health sector in North and East Syria, Mistafa said: “Hospital construction projects continue in many regions, including the Kobanê Hospital. The hospital project in Deir ez-Zor was put into service. In other regions, project preparations have already started.”

The North and East Syrian Health Board opened a General Hospital in the Kisra town of Deir ez-Zor on May 15. The hospital offers health services to approximately 400 thousand people from Deir ez-Zor and its surrounding villages.

Explaining why hospitals opened later than expected, Mistefa said: “One of the biggest obstacles we face is the limited opportunities. We try to overcome these obstacles and enter a new practical process. These problems are usually financial. If we can complete the projects we have planned, we can resolve these problems in a short time.”

PROMISED SUPPORT FROM EUROPEAN COUNTRIES

Mistefa continued: “Undoubtedly, if the activities carried out in the field of health are handled in a narrow framework, it will bring about a result far from contemporary achievements in the field of health. We visited countries such as Italy and Spain to make use of their experiences so we can offer advanced health services, make more successful progress and fill the gaps in the field of health in the region. Our aim is to begin the construction process as soon as possible.”

Mistefa pointed out that they made great progress in the field of diplomacy as a result of these visits, during which they had important meetings with health experts in these countries. He noted that during their meetings, European health institutions promised that they would support North and East Syria in the field of health.

A HEALTH SYSTEM WILL BE ESTABLISHED VERY SOON

Mistefa noted that they had been working on a new health system for about a year and a half and that they would implement this system in all areas, including the whole of North and East Syria. He concluded: “We need a new infrastructure to provide health services in North and East Syria. We've been working on this for a year and a half. We are currently in the process of implementing this system. We are waiting for the system to be officially approved. If the system is implemented thoroughly, it will bring about radical changes in the field of healthcare in North and East Syria. Moreover, all our healthcare staff are organized in line with this system. This system guarantees the rights of both the public and health workers.”