Medical Staff Assaulted at Damascus Children’s Hospital

Damascus Children's University Hospital, where medical staff were assaulted following the death of a child. (North Press)
Damascus Children's University Hospital, where medical staff were assaulted following the death of a child. (North Press)

By Kardo Roj

DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – A group of individuals attacked medical staff at Damascus Children’s University Hospital on Thursday, following the death of a child due to a viral infection. The incident underscores the growing issue of violence against healthcare professionals in Syria.

According to Dr. Ayman Balakhi, Director of Intensive Care at the hospital, the assault was carried out by the child’s family and their associates, who accused the medical team of negligence.

“The child had pre-existing medical conditions and was infected with COVID-19. Despite this, the mother blamed the hospital staff for his death and, along with others, physically attacked and threatened the medical team,” Balakhi told North Press.

Hospital Staff Face Threats and Physical Assault

The attack reportedly targeted hospital administrators and supervising doctors, with threats made against staff members. Witnesses say that the office of the hospital director was also damaged during the altercation.

While the hospital remains operational, Balakhi confirmed that security personnel at the hospital intervened to contain the situation.

“We have gathered testimonies from doctors and hospital staff, but so far, no arrests have been made,” he stated.

Rising Violence Against Medical Workers

The incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of healthcare workers in Syria, who frequently face physical and verbal assaults from patients’ families.

Medical professionals have called for stronger legal protections and security reinforcements at hospitals, urging the Syrian Ministry of Health to take action.

“Violence is never the solution. If families have concerns about medical care, they should file legal complaints instead of resorting to physical attacks,” Balakhi emphasized.

Hospital Administration Calls for Protection

Following the assault, the hospital administration formally requested security reinforcements from the Syrian interim government’s Ministry of Health, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter measures to prevent similar incidents.

The attack comes amid widespread frustration with Syria’s healthcare system, which has struggled due to economic hardship, shortages of medical supplies, and ongoing political instability.

Healthcare professionals across Syria have increasingly voiced concerns over the lack of legal protections and the growing risks they face while treating patients.

As authorities investigate the incident, medical workers in Syria continue to demand immediate action to ensure their safety and the uninterrupted delivery of healthcare services.