90% of clinic services halted in Sweida

Medical sources in Sweida warned that the comprehensive clinics are facing one of their most difficult periods in years, amid an ongoing medical blockade since last July following military escalation.

According to supervisors and officials in the health sector, the center—comprising 12 specialized medical departments—is now unable to carry out more than 90% of its usual duties due to severe shortages of medical supplies and the lack of basic operational requirements.

The crisis worsened after the electricity generator broke down ten days ago due to a malfunction in the control panel, leading to an almost complete shutdown of services, except for limited clinical consultations.

The same sources explained that vital departments, particularly the laboratory and radiology units, have completely stopped operating. These two departments previously received hundreds of patients daily and played a central role in diagnosis and follow-up care.

The radiology department has been out of service since October last year due to a lack of developing materials and special films, as well as the absence of a budget or alternative supplies at the Health Directorate. The cost of restarting it exceeds $900, which would cover operations for three months based on previous patient volumes.

The laboratory department has also been closed since September last year and requires approximately $900 to secure operating supplies for three months.

Other departments have not been spared from deterioration, with some currently limited to basic clinical examinations without integrated diagnostic or therapeutic services.

The ophthalmology department has ready-to-use medical equipment, but shortages of supplies and power outages have forced it out of service, depriving dozens of patients daily of essential free care.

Similar challenges affect the remaining departments due to the lack of basic materials and operational energy.

Sources noted that patients receiving “biologic” treatments are the most affected. Around 20 patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have been left without their medication, which is costly and requires one package per week at a price reaching one million Syrian pounds, paid out of pocket.

Sources stressed that the shutdown of the comprehensive clinics represents a severe blow to low-income patients, while the Health Directorate remains unable to find solutions due to the absence of budgets and essential supplies. Appeals are increasing to international organizations and the local community to urgently intervene and support the center before it shifts from partial shutdown to the complete collapse of a healthcare system that once served as the first line of defense for the health of hundreds of patients daily.

ANHA