In the war-torn region of northern Syria, the impact of a devastating earthquake in Kherbet Al-Joz has been unprecedented. The already weakened healthcare sector, which has been grappling with over twelve years of continuous conflict, has been severely stretched to its limits. However, amidst the chaos and destruction, Al-Amal Hospital in the city of Salqin, located in the Idlib countryside, has been a beacon of hope. Despite facing numerous challenges, the dedicated medical personnel at the hospital have been working tirelessly to provide critical care to the injured and wounded, saving lives and making a lasting impact in the hearts and minds of all those involved.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Khatib, one of the physicians at Al-Amal Hospital, shares the challenging situation they faced in the aftermath of the earthquake. “The magnitude of the disaster was much greater than our medical capacity in the health centers and hospitals scattered throughout northern Syria,” he explains. “Our medical supplies started running low, and the number of casualties and fatalities was overwhelming. However, our medical staff worked tirelessly around the clock in the operating rooms, rapid response, and first aid departments, leaving indelible memories in the minds of all those who witnessed or experienced those moments, including medical personnel, paramedics, and local residents.”

Despite the overwhelming challenges, Al-Amal Hospital, which is managed and funded by the health sector in WATAN, has made a significant impact in providing critical healthcare services to those in need. As of April 11th, the hospital has performed 476 surgical operations and treated 2496 medical cases, saving numerous lives and alleviating suffering. The hospital’s excellence in providing healthcare services has been recognized by the Relief Experts Organization, ranking it first among 58 medical institutions operating in northwest Syria according to adopted healthcare standards.

The health sector in the WATAN has been working tirelessly to provide sustainable support to medical facilities in northern Syria. This includes covering the salaries of medical personnel, operational costs, medications, transportation, and consumables. Additionally, the program focuses on rehabilitating war-affected centers and contributing to building a stable healthcare system in Syria by providing humanitarian assistance related to health. Their efforts are aimed at reducing deaths and the spread of diseases, with a special focus on the most vulnerable people. The program has already benefited over 1.4 million direct beneficiaries as of 2023.

In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in northern Syria, Al-Amal Hospital has been a lifeline for the injured and wounded, providing critical healthcare services in a region that has been ravaged by war. Despite the challenges and limitations, the hospital’s dedicated medical personnel, supported by the health sector in the WATAN, have demonstrated unwavering commitment and resilience in saving lives and alleviating suffering. The impact of their efforts in the healthcare sector is commendable and underscores the urgent need for continued support and assistance from donors, supporters, and international organizations to ensure that the vulnerable populations in northern Syria receive the healthcare they desperately need.