SAMS Takes Action to Address Health Crisis in Post-Assad Syria

The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) is stepping up its efforts to tackle the health crisis in Syria, particularly following a significant political transition that has concluded the long-standing rule of Bashar al-Assad. With over 16.7 million people requiring urgent medical assistance, SAMS' active involvement is critical during this challenging phase.

The recent transition has exacerbated Syria's humanitarian situation, necessitating a robust response from organizations like SAMS, which is recognized globally for volunteering medical care and education. In light of these developments, SAMS has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing essential medical services, focusing on free healthcare access and advocacy.

Addressing Immediate Needs

SAMS has outlined key priorities based on a detailed Health Needs Assessment Report that highlights the acute shortages in medical supplies, equipment, and healthcare personnel. Hospitals in regions such as Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Damascus are overwhelmed, suffering from overcrowded conditions and dilapidated facilities worsened by ongoing displacement.

Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh, the President of SAMS, emphasized, "Healthcare access has always been central to SAMS' mission. As Syrians face the challenges of rebuilding after decades of conflict, our unwavering focus remains on improving health outcomes and supporting the most vulnerable."

The organization's plans include:
1. Emergency Medical Support: SAMS aims to provide urgent care primarily for children and supply essential hospitals with life-saving medications. Additionally, there is a commitment to repairing vital healthcare infrastructure.
2. Mental Health Services: SAMS will extend curative and psychological support services to recently released prisoners and individuals who have faced trauma such as torture.
3. Healthcare System Enhancement: The initiative includes deploying mobile clinics to reach underserved populations, providing essential equipment like ICU beds and ventilators, ensuring access to crucial medications for oncology and chronic diseases, and delivering necessary training for healthcare professionals.

Resilience Amid Conflict

Despite a recent escalation in violence that impacted SAMS' missions, particularly during Thanksgiving, the organization has intensified its efforts to deliver crucial healthcare services. Volunteers are preparing for an essential medical mission planned for the holiday week, aiming to expand SAMS' life-saving impact on the ground.

Earlier this year, SAMS showcased its adaptability and commitment by conducting successful missions in Gaza to meet urgent healthcare demands during another humanitarian catastrophe. This multi-regional presence underscores SAMS' dedication to providing solutions in areas experiencing turbulence, ensuring that no community is neglected in times of strife.

For media inquiries, contact Blaine Heck at 201-314-9506 or email email protected] To contribute to SAMS' emergency relief efforts, donors are encouraged to visit [SAMS Donation Page.

About SAMS

The Syrian American Medical Society is a non-profit, non-political entity actively involved in crisis response, delivering medical and humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in Syria and beyond. In the previous year alone, SAMS rendered lifesaving medical services to approximately 3.6 million people. For further details about SAMS and its initiatives, please visit www.sams-usa.net.