WHO’s delegation reviews reality of health sector in Homs and the damage caused as result of terrorism

The Regional Director of the World Health Organization for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Ahmed Al-Mandhari, and the accompanying delegation were briefed during today’s tour on the reality of work in the health sector in Homs and the extent of the destruction and damage caused by terrorism in this sector.

The tour included the Corona testing laboratory in the Health Directorate and the restoration work of the National Hospital and the Health Center in Al-Warsha neighborhood in Old Homs, the Afia Dialysis Center, and Homs Grand Hospital in Al-Waer neighborhood.

During a meeting with the delegation in Homs Governorate, the Governor, Eng. Bassam Barsik, reviewed ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides to provide qualitative medical services in special fields.

Head of Health Directorate, Dr. Hassan Al-Jundi, reviewed the reality of work in the health sector and the free of charge continued provision of primary health care services and vaccines, in addition to medicines for chronic and infectious diseases, and dialysis centers throughout the crisis.

In a statement to SANA, Al-Mandhari confirmed that the visit came with the aim of being in direct contact with the challenges facing the health sector in Homs, providing the necessary support to it, and discussing all aspects related to the needs required to ensure the citizen’s continued access to basic health service. He  indicated that the organization seeks to provide more support to provide all requirements for the health sector in Syria.

Dr. Elie Azar, Director of the National Hospital in Homs, noted that the hospital is currently providing radiography service through a CT scan and magnetic resonance device, which is the only free device in Homs, pointing to a structural study to restore the second block, which was partially destroyed. He noted that the third and main block was completely destroyed and its debris removed.

It is noteworthy that Homs hospitals were destroyed during the terrorist war on Syria. About 50 percent of its health centers and most of the ambulances were damaged. The rehabilitation of the health sector is gradually being carried out.

The Organization’s resident representative in Syria, Akjmal Maktomova, and Director of Preparedness and Emergency in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Tawfiq Hassaba, participated in the tour.

Inas Abdulkareem