After 14 years of devastating civil war, Syria’s largest province, Homs, is slowly rebuilding its shattered healthcare system. Families who fled are beginning to return, but medical services remain weak. Now, Syrian doctors living abroad are stepping in to help revive the region’s broken health system.
In early April, a group of more than 30 doctors and community leaders from Chicago traveled to Homs. They are part of the Homs Healthcare Recovery Initiative, led by Dr. Zaher Sahloul from the US-based nonprofit MedGlobal. Their mission is to bring back essential health services and help local doctors rebuild what was lost.
The Scale of the Health Crisis in Homs
During the long conflict, many doctors, specialists, and healthcare workers fled Homs. The main hospital in the city, Al-Watani, was completely destroyed. This led to a severe shortage of hospital beds, primary care centers, and trained staff.
Speaking to Arab News, Dr. Sahloul said, “The health crisis is huge. Many specialists left during the war, and there is deep inequality between healthcare in the city and rural areas.”
According to MedGlobal, Homs once had a strong healthcare system. However, years of fighting damaged hospitals, clinics, and medical schools. Today, many people in rural areas must travel long distances just to see a doctor. Emergency services are limited, and specialty care is almost non-existent outside the city center.
Workshops and Training for Local Doctors
The visiting team from Chicago conducted workshops and training sessions for Syrian doctors. They covered topics like emergency care, maternal health, pediatric services, and mental health support.
Workshops aimed not only to update medical knowledge but also to rebuild confidence among local health workers. Many doctors who stayed in Homs throughout the war lacked access to new medical research and training.
Dr. Sahloul said that supporting local doctors is key to rebuilding a strong, fair healthcare system. “It’s about giving hope and skills to the people who are still there,” he explained.
Challenges in Rebuilding the Health System
Rebuilding hospitals and clinics is a massive task. Many buildings are still in ruins, and there is a shortage of medical equipment. Medicine supplies are low, and economic sanctions have made it harder to get new resources.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Syria’s health system remains fragile. It estimates that less than half of the country’s hospitals and primary care facilities are fully functional. In rural Homs, the situation is even worse.
In addition, mental health needs have skyrocketed. Years of conflict, displacement, and loss have left deep emotional scars. MedGlobal and its partners are working to train doctors in trauma-informed care to help address this silent crisis.
The Importance of Diaspora Involvement
The help from Syrian doctors abroad is proving critical. Many of these doctors trained in some of the best hospitals in the United States and Europe. They bring not only skills but also financial resources and connections.
Diaspora-led initiatives like the Homs Healthcare Recovery Initiative aim to create lasting partnerships. Instead of short-term missions, they are focusing on sustainable development by supporting local leaders.
Other similar efforts are happening across Syria. Organizations like the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) and the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM) are also leading projects to rebuild healthcare services in war-torn areas.
A Long Road Ahead
While efforts to rebuild are underway, full recovery will take years. Infrastructure must be repaired, doctors need continuous training, and trust in the healthcare system must be restored.
Still, hope is returning. Families are coming back to Homs. Schools are reopening. Community clinics are starting to offer services again. The involvement of diaspora doctors is giving the people of Homs a chance to heal and rebuild their lives.
