Hassan Al-Ali
On an otherwise ordinary day this month, Ali’s family, residents of Qariteen, near Homs, woke up to see their six-year-old son suffering from a severe coughing fit and difficulty breathing. When visiting the doctor, the child was diagnosed with a chest infection and had to be hospitalized. However, the family encountered a major obstacle, as the public hospital rooms were overcrowded, with up to six patients at a time, while the cost of private hospitals was far beyond their financial reach.
Rise in Chest Infection Cases
Syria has recently witnessed a serious rise in chest infection cases among children, placing immense strain on both families and medical professionals. This respiratory illness can lead to severe complications that could cause death, if not treated promptly and effectively. Nevertheless, the ongoing health crisis in the country makes access to proper healthcare a daunting challenge.
Aysha al-Wardy, a resident of Deir Ezzor, is facing the same struggle. She told +963 that the same symptoms appeared on her child nearly two weeks ago, severe coughing, breathing difficulties, and fever.
“I took my son to the public hospital in Hajeen City, but it was extremely crowded and enough lacked medical staff, which made us wait for long hours before we even got to see the doctors.”, she said.
Worried about her son’s condition, she added, “We received some medications, but I’m afraid that his condition might deteriorate because we simply can’t afford better treatment.”
High Cost Prevent Access to Treatment
Ali al-Hasan, a father from al-Haska city, shared his struggle with +963, saying, “My son has suffered from various health issues since birth, but his condition recently worsened. When we tried to take him to a private hospital, we were shocked that the cost was 2.5 million Syrian liras, equivalent to … $, which was far beyond our means.”
Ali stressed the urgent need to strengthen public hospitals so that financial constraints do not become a barrier to children’s health.
Professor Dr. Bushra Jneidi, a pediatric chest specialist, emphasized the importance of the situation. Speaking to +963, she explained that the medical sector is struggling with an extreme shortage of staff and supplies, which negatively impacts the quality of the health care available to children.
Dr. Jneidi further noted that cases of chest infections have surged by 50% this year compared to last year. This alarming rise is related to several factors such as harsh weather conditions, malnutrition, poverty and a critical shortage of specialized doctors.
The doctor also urged the government and the international community to provide immediate support to help improve health conditions and prevent further suffering.
Private Hospitals: Quality at an Unaffordable Cost
Ibrahim al-Qaisoum, the manager of a private hospital in Dair Ezzor told +963 that while private hospitals offer high-quality medical care, however, the high costs remain out of reach for many families.”
Al-Qaisoum emphasized the need for stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors to enhance healthcare across the country. “Private hospitals can support the public ones in times of crisis, helping to reduce pressure and improve medical services,” he said.
The testimonies above underscore the severity of the crisis that Syrian children are facing. They also highlight the urgent need to improve the medical infrastructure, increase the number of trained healthcare professionals and provide essential medical equipment to ensure effective treatment.
In light of the given circumstances, government and international support remain crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the Syrian children as they continue to face these ongoing challenges.
