In Idlib, Syria, Ayman al-Khayal, 43, eagerly awaited his dialysis session at Bab al-Hawa Hospital with his family. The free treatment he had been receiving three times a week for the past nine years was now at risk due to a funding crisis threatening the hospital’s existence. His daughter Madiha tried to keep his spirits up during the lengthy sessions, but the uncertainty of the hospital’s future loomed over them.
The medical services in Idlib have been severely underfunded, leading to the potential closure of Bab al-Hawa Hospital by the end of September. This closure would impact hundreds of thousands of patients, including those with kidney failure like al-Khayal, who rely on the hospital for life-saving treatment.
As the conflict in Syria continues to take its toll, the lack of funding for healthcare facilities in opposition-controlled areas has reached a critical point. With the closure of hospitals and medical centers, patients are left with limited options for care, leading to dire consequences for those in need.
Despite facing multiple funding cuts in the past, Bab al-Hawa Hospital has continued to operate with limited resources. However, the current funding crisis poses a significant threat to its survival, potentially leaving patients like al-Khayal without access to essential medical services.
With the looming possibility of closures and the continued struggle to secure funding, the health situation in northwest Syria remains on the brink of collapse. The impact of the funding shortages is already evident, with many health facilities unable to operate at full capacity or forced to shut down entirely.
As the region grapples with ongoing challenges, including natural disasters and the spread of diseases, finding sustainable solutions to address the funding crisis is crucial. Without adequate support, the healthcare system in northwest Syria faces an uncertain future, leaving vulnerable patients at risk of further harm.