The years of conflict, military operations, and political implications have severely impacted many essential sectors in Syria, with the healthcare system being one of the hardest hits. Both the destruction and significant damage to infrastructure, along with the deterioration in the upkeep of medical equipment and scarcity of their spare parts, have compounded the crisis. Additionally, the migration, deaths, and arrests of many medical professionals, coupled with the collapse of the pharmaceutical industry, have exacerbated the situation.
The fragmentation of the country into various spheres of control has led to a fragmented health system, with conflicting parties setting up their health institutions, often lacking proper governance. In this challenging environment, civil society has played a role in providing health services, particularly in besieged areas. However, these organizations have been plagued by a lack of resources, poor coordination, and weak governance, all of which have limited their capacity to address the growing health needs.
In northeastern Syria, the health sector has been affected much like other regions, though the intensity varies depending on the extent of fighting. Historically underserved, northeastern and northwestern Syria have faced severe shortages of health service centers, even before 2011, further worsening the population’s access to healthcare. Since the Autonomous Administration assumed control, its Health Authority has overseen the healthcare system through various committees operating in new regions. However, these committees, particularly in Deir Ezzor, have limited influence. In Deir Ezzor, the health sector is predominantly managed by a coalition of NGO workers and UN representatives, coordinated by the Health Working Group under the Northeast Syria Forum, led by Relief International.
The health sector in Deir Ezzor, under the control of the Autonomous Administration, remains one of the most devastated by years of conflict. The ongoing war and the involvement of multiple parties have severely compromised the sector’s ability to provide basic healthcare. Many hospitals and medical centers have been destroyed, with some converted into shelters for displaced people. The loss of medical staff because of death, imprisonment, or displacement has created a significant shortage of staff, and there is a critical lack of essential medicines and medical equipment, putting even more pressure on an already fragile system.
At the start of 2019, noticeable improvements began to emerge in the health sector. Many health facilities were rehabilitated, and several new medical centers and hospitals became operational. While these advancements have positively impacted the healthcare system’s ability to provide care, they have been unevenly distributed across regions. They are still insufficient to address the major challenges that persist fully. The unstable security situation in Deir Ezzor has further limited the effectiveness of these improvements, as ongoing conflicts and worsening security conditions hinder efforts to enhance and stabilize healthcare services.
Given these circumstances, there is a pressing need to assess the current damage to the health sector in Deir Ezzor and identify its primary needs and the barriers preventing access to healthcare for the population. This paper aims to gather and analyze insights from regional experts to create a comprehensive assessment of the health sector’s status in Deir Ezzor and offer practical recommendations for improving it. These recommendations are intended to enhance healthcare accessibility and develop the governorate’s medical infrastructure.
The significance of this paper lies in the essential role of the health sector as a cornerstone of any political, social, or economic system, given its direct impact on population health and its connection to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Furthermore, the paper is crucial in evaluating the sector’s damage in Deir Ezzor and determining its current needs. This assessment is part of a broader effort, specifically the Tawasul project, initiated by Justice for Life, which seeks to address service and administrative challenges in northeastern Syria. The project encourages multilateral dialogue and aims to engage citizens in policy-making processes, improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness of reforms. In light of the region’s instability and growing challenges, this assessment seeks to develop actionable recommendations that support sustainable development and improve healthcare services for the local population.
Read more: The Health Sector Current Situation and Response Enhancement Mechanisms
