Project Results 
Emergency Medical Center for North East Syria
Opening of the medical clinic in North East Syria
Location:
North East Syria
Project Dates:
August 2023 - December 2025
People:
Communities at risk in NE Syria
Project Goal:
$90,000
Project Overview 

The Need:

The aim of the project is to strengthen emergency medical services in the predominantly Christian area in and around the al-Qahtaniya sub-district in Syria, so that urgent medical cases do not have to travel over difficult roads in a war zone with frequent drone strikes to reach the nearest hospital.

For generations, Christians have been able to live peacefully in al-Qahtaniyah, a sub-district of Al-Qamishli. The Turkish military presence in Syria began in 2016 with Operation Euphrates Shield. It was followed by Operation Olive Branch (2018), Operation Peace Spring (2019) and Operation Spring Shield (2020). The airstrikes continue to this day under the pretext of securing a security zone in north-eastern Syria.

Al-Qahtaniyah, which is located on the Syrian-Turkish border, has about 99 Christian families that have to continuously flee Turkish aggression. Once the situation has calmed slightly, they return, to deal with the damage. Turkey's ongoing attacks, including on Christmas Eve 2023, keep these families in limbo and in a constant state of stress.

The nearest hospital is in al-Qamishli, which can be a difficult drive due to the road conditions.  With the airstrikes, even getting to the hospital is risky. The current drone attacks by Turkey have succeeded in weakening the region with much of the infrastructure destroyed. The residents of Northeastern Syria are now suffering from water shortages, electricity shortages, and high inflation. Having a clinic saves precious time in a life-or-death emergency situations.

The Solution:

Assessments done in close cooperation with doctors in the area indicate that specific emergency aid is lacking this area. Combined with the resurgence of the threat of violence through air strikes by Turkey, the need for a medical clinic in this location is particularly great in this area. Delay in establishing and maintaining the clinic in this  location will certainly lead to many fatal casualties.

The medical clinic includes the capacity to transport patients to a regular hospital after giving life-saving treatment. For this project to have a significant impact on both the sense of safety and the actual saving of lives, the presence of a well-equipped ambulance is an integral part of the emergency medical center. This medical center gives young medical students from the region a chance to complete an internship in their own area.

Urgent funding is required to keep the clinic operational.

Project Details 
Project Plan

Project History

Phase I:

In the first six months of the project from July 2022, both the premises and an ambulance were purchased. The building for the medical clinic was completely renovated. This first phase was completed between July and October of 2022.

The ambulance transports the most urgent emergencies, which are often heart attacks and strokes. Without this service, many would not have survived. The presence of a well-equipped ambulance is an integral part of the Syriac Cross Medical Clinic.

From October 2022, the ambulance has been on call and therefore constantly in operational condition. The ambulance responds to at least 5 medical emergencies per week, about 20 per month. With the ambulance, the Syriac Cross Medical Clinic has become a vital medical facility for the region.

Phase II:

Installing solar panels, procuring medical equipment and supplies, and hiring doctors and nurses to begin providing medical services to the community.Tthis second phase was completed between January and June of 2023.

New Departments

By August 2023 the clinic became fully operational with well-equipped medical staff.

The comprehensive facilities include various departments for internal medicine and pediatrics and, since August 2023, a gynecologist. The medical clinic also has a special department for X-rays, laboratory analyses, and a pharmacy.

In addition, a receptionist, two cleaning staff, and another driver for the ambulance were hired. In July 2023 one Lab employee and one radiologist joined the team. The medical clinic serves up to 30 patients a day. Since June 2023, the clinic team has treated 4,252 patients, among them 765 emergencies. According to capacity, these emergencies were treated on site or transported by ambulance to a hospital in al-Qamishli or al-Hassaka.

On the 6th of August, 2023, the official opening of the clinic took place and was attended by the Former Chair of USCIRF; Nadine Maenza, a renowned advocate for international religious freedom. Nadine Maenza acknowledged the pivotal role the clinic plays in meeting the healthcare needs of a substantial number of citizens.

We are now in need of funds to maintain the clinic and keep the departments open.

What Your Investment Will Do:

Your investment will help keep the Medical Clinic in North East Syria running by covering the following costs:

-      Pediatrician

-      Gynecologist

-      Internist

-      Radiologist

-      Laboratory technician

-      Drivers for the ambulance

-      Cleaners

-      Fuel costs for the ambulance

-      Receptionist for appointments and overall administrative tasks

Persecution of Christians and Religious Minorities in northeast Syria
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