UOSSM: On the ground from Damascus

Assessing Healthcare in Syria

Since December 12, UOSSM has been actively working across key regions in Syria to assess urgent healthcare needs and bolster support for the healthcare system. Dr. Monzer Yazji, a Syrian American doctor and UOSSM board member, led a dedicated delegation in collaboration with local teams and medical professionals to identify critical gaps and implement effective strategies for change.

Key Findings and Efforts Across Syria:

Damascus:

UOSSM engaged with representatives from the Syrian health authorities, including the Ministry of Health, to discuss the organization’s expertise in humanitarian operations and potential contributions in areas such as data collection, governance, and healthcare facility management.
A pivotal moment was the visit to Damascus Hospital (Al-Mujtahid Hospital), the capital’s main medical facility, where pressing challenges in the healthcare sector were addressed.

Homs & Hama:

Initial assessments were conducted in these cities to identify gaps in healthcare and urgent recovery needs.
At Hama National Hospital, UOSSM collaborated with local doctors to understand the challenges they face, emphasizing the critical need for rehabilitation efforts to facilitate the safe return of displaced families.

Aleppo:

UOSSM enhanced the medical response at Aleppo University Hospital by deploying teams of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and medical staff.
Despite being targeted, UOSSM ambulances continued to serve the community.
Discussions with hospital leadership and medical students highlighted the sector’s urgent needs and opportunities for further collaboration.

Idlib:

UOSSM met with doctors leading the medical response during escalations and visited Al-Andalus Hospital, one of the largest emergency care facilities.

The delegation witnessed the unwavering dedication of medical teams working tirelessly under extremely challenging conditions.

Expanding Support: New Office in Damascus

To respond more effectively to these ongoing challenges, UOSSM is establishing a new office in Damascus. This office will serve as a hub for improved coordination and outreach, enabling UOSSM to better support communities across Syria.

Honoring Syria’s Healthcare Heroes

On Saturday, December 28, UOSSM will host a special event to recognize the extraordinary efforts of Syria’s healthcare professionals. Over the past 14 years, doctors, nurses, and medical staff have risked their lives to provide essential care under the most dangerous conditions. This event will:

Honor the dedication and sacrifices of medical teams.
Pay tribute to healthcare workers who lost their lives while saving others.
Highlight the resilience and commitment of Syria’s healthcare professionals.

Over 120 esteemed doctors will attend, including representatives from the USA, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Canada, alongside doctors from hospitals and cities across Syria.

A Message from Dr. Monzer Yazji:

“This event honors the tireless dedication of Syria’s healthcare professionals who have shown immense resilience over the past 14 years. Their sacrifices have been vital to the survival of many, and we remain committed to reestablishing Syria’s healthcare system on solid grounds based on values.”

UOSSM reaffirms its commitment to supporting Syria’s healthcare system and standing by the heroes who continue to serve their communities with unwavering courage.

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