By Muhammad Habash
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Mothers and children in Northeast Syria are struggling with significant health challenges that are impacting their well-being and quality of life. Some children are born with disabilities and diseases, potentially as a result of medical errors or inadequate healthcare services.
Judy Ibrahim is one individual who has been negatively affected by these issues. She has been dealing with a congenital hip dislocation since birth, a condition that could have been easily treated if diagnosed accurately and provided with proper care. Unfortunately, due to a lack of access to quality healthcare, her condition has worsened to the point where she is unable to walk properly.
Improved healthcare services can ensure that people receive necessary medical attention and support to lead better lives. Moreover, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent the progression of conditions similar to Judy’s.
Ridwan Ibrahim, Judy’s grandfather, shared that after learning about Judy’s condition, she underwent two surgeries, but unfortunately, her condition did not improve. In a quest for better treatment options, he traveled to Damascus, hoping for a more effective solution. However, his hopes were dashed when doctors there informed him that Judy would likely remain in her current condition until she reaches the age of 20.
This revelation shocked the family, as it meant that Judy’s mobility and quality of life would be severely compromised for a significant portion of her childhood and teenage years. The family, however, remained hopeful and checked with other doctors.
Ibrahim tells North Press, they found a doctor in Tartus who performed three surgeries on her, and thanks to his efforts her condition improved. She still needs two more surgeries. He hopes Judy will live a normal life.
Common errors
Childbirth errors usually occur when failing to perform caesarean section in a timely manner or due to unavailable modern equipment.
Additionally, failure to provide appropriate care to the mother and her child after childbirth can adversely affect both and create complications that may have lasting effect.
Ridwan Muhammad, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist, highlights the numerous challenges faced during childbirth in the region. He emphasizes that medical errors can occur in any setting due to complications that may arise beyond the control of both the doctor and the patient.
He stresses the importance of having specialized childbirth centers that are operational 24/7 to handle sudden and unexpected childbirth situations.
Ridwan’s insights shed light on the critical need for well-equipped and readily available healthcare facilities in Northeast Syria to address the complexities and uncertainties that can arise during childbirth.
He points out that the increase in the rate of cesarean sections in the region puts mothers and children at risk due to lack of appropriate childbirth facilities and shortage in doctors.
He says establishing specialized childbirth centers to provide necessary healthcare for mothers and children has become a necessity, which can ensure their safety and well-being.
Meanwhile, Bangin Suleiman, a pediatrician, highlights the impact of medical errors and lack of experience among medical staff on children’s health.
He emphasizes the urgent need for improvement in the region’s healthcare infrastructure, specifically calling for the establishment of specialized hospitals for children and special care centers for newborns.
Suleiman stresses the importance of training medical staff to deliver high-quality healthcare services without causing any unintended negative effects.
Strict laws
Mustafa Abdulkarim, co-chair of Doctors Union in Hasakah Governorate, northeastern Syria, says that early diagnosis and raising awareness among parents to report any cases is necessary.
He points out there are strict laws that impose severe penalties on those who commit medical errors, which can include revoking their medical practice certificate and closing the clinic.
“There are errors, and complications as well. Errors are defined and medical committees are formed to check them. Doctors have to take responsibility for their errors . Complications, however, can occur in all countries,” he says.
He points out the lack of medical resources and the absence of specialized centers and hospitals specifically for children.
Abdulkarim stresses there are few local and international organizations specialized in this field that operate in Northeast Syria. This leads to a lack of expertise and specialized staff to provide support in critical times.
Project
On May 7, the Health Committee of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) in Qamishli announced building the Maternity and Children Hospital in the city of Qamishli, northeastern Syria.
Khaled Dawoud, co-chair of the Health Committee told North Press the Hospital includes a gynecology and pediatrics department with a capacity of 100 beds.
The hospital is estimated to cost over 2 million U.S. dollars.
He pointed out the project was scheduled to launch last year, but Turkish attacks on Northeast Syria led to a delay in the implementation of the project.