Syrian Doctors Grapple With Medical Emergency and Ethics

IDPs in Jabal Al-Akrad, in Syria's Latakia region. Credit: Shelly Kittleson/IPSBy Shelly KittlesonREYHANLI (TURKEY), May 19 2014 (IPS) As once-eliminated diseases resurface and barrel bombs and alleged chlorine attacks target civilians, doctors in rebel-held areas and across the border struggle with issues of how best to serve their profession. Up to 70 percent of Syria’s health workers had fled the country as June last year, according to the World Health Organization, and many of the country’s medical facilities have been destroyed or heavily damaged by regime air strikes. ‘’Even blood bags are controlled by the ministry of defense...You go to jail if they find you with one" -- Dr. OmarThough regime and opposition fighters are often said to share the blame for obstructing access to medical care for civilians, Dr. Omar, who works with the Syrian Expatriate Medical Association (SEMA), said that his organisation has not experienced problems with any rebel groups while working in Syria. However, he stressed that his work ended when the patient – whether rebel fighter, regime soldier or civilian – had been treated. “My work stops there. What they do with them afterwards is not my business,” he said, stressing the need for neutrality in order to continue operating in areas even when they change hands from one group to another. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has long been known for the same code of ethics, but nevertheless had five of its expatriate staff tak...
Source: IPS Inter Press Service - Health - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: Armed Conflicts Development & Aid Featured Headlines Health Human Rights Humanitarian Emergencies Middle East & North Africa Migration & Refugees Poverty & MDGs Regional Categories TerraViva United Nations Doctors Doctors Without Source Type: news