Germany's Initiative to Support Syrian Hospitals Without Losing Medical Professionals

The ongoing conflict in Syria has left the country's healthcare system in ruins, prompting many German-based physicians of Syrian descent to seek ways to contribute to its recovery. The German government, through its development ministry, is facilitating this effort by promoting clinic partnerships, aiming to assist Syrian hospitals while retaining the vital medical staff currently working in Germany.

After nearly 14 years of civil war, the conditions in Syria's healthcare facilities are dire. Eyewitness accounts from Syrian doctors in Germany reveal a lack of essential resources. One physician described the situation as critical, noting that hospitals lack basic supplies like clean water, electricity, and medications. Another cardiologist categorized the state of hospitals into three groups: destroyed, partially destroyed, and in dire need of repairs. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist highlighted a severe shortage of specialized mental health professionals, indicating that Syria currently has no child and adolescent psychiatrists.

Recently, over 300 Syrian doctors gathered in Berlin to discuss future contributions to the rebuilding of the health sector post-Assad regime. The war has devastated what was once a leading healthcare system, with over a third of hospitals rendered non-operational and more than half of the healthcare workforce fleeing the country. In Germany alone, around 6,000 medical professionals hold Syrian passports.

Many of these physicians have already established connections with former colleagues in Syria or initiated their own humanitarian projects. The aim is to formalize their efforts through clinic partnerships, which have proven successful in other countries like Ukraine. The German government has allocated EUR15 million for this initiative, a decision made just before recent elections.

Doctors involved in the discussions report alarming shortages of basic medical supplies, including syringes and suturing materials. Many medical devices in Syrian hospitals are inoperable due to a lack of spare parts caused by ongoing embargoes, forcing reliance on less effective equipment from other countries. The absence of safe transportation options has resulted in a lack of night staff, exacerbating the already critical conditions in hospitals.

Psychiatric professionals, in particular, express concern over the mental health crisis in Syria. The war has significantly worsened the situation, with reports indicating that only about 40 psychiatrists remain in the country. The mental health needs are vast, with many individuals suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. A young psychiatrist expressed optimism about the possibility of making a difference in the lives of those affected.

Concrete steps for assistance include ensuring reliable electricity and water supply to hospitals and delivering essential medical materials. Suggestions have been made for German doctors to provide on-site support for surgical procedures, with follow-up care managed through telemedicine. Online training sessions are also being considered to enhance the skills of local healthcare workers.

The German government's commitment to supporting Syrian healthcare systems is a delicate balancing act. While there is a strong desire to assist, there are concerns that aiding the return of Syrian medical professionals to their homeland could exacerbate staffing shortages in Germany. The Minister for Development has acknowledged the importance of retaining healthcare workers in Germany while also finding ways for them to contribute to their homeland, admitting that this presents a significant challenge.