Medical Campaign Performs Vascular Surgeries in Damascus Hospital
A specialized medical team has successfully completed a series of vascular surgeries at Damascus Hospital, also known as Al-Mujtahid, as part of the fourth installment of the international “Shifa” (Healing) medical campaign. The initiative, held under the banner “Hand in Hand for Syria,” represents a collaborative effort aimed at addressing complex health cases and enhancing local surgical capabilities through international cooperation.
The recent operations were facilitated by the Shifa Medical Team in partnership with the US-based organization MedGlobal. Dr. Tawfiq Ghneim, a consultant in vascular and endovascular surgery, confirmed that the team completed nine successful procedures. The campaign mobilized approximately 60 medical professionals across various specialties, focusing on providing high-quality therapeutic services while creating a platform for local doctors to observe and adopt modern clinical techniques.
Organizers emphasized that the selection of patients was a rigorous, centralized process conducted in coordination with the Syrian Ministry of Health. Patients were identified via an electronic registration system, which allowed for the screening and categorization of medical data. Following comprehensive examinations, clinical teams prioritized the most critical cases that required immediate surgical intervention. This structured approach ensured that the resources provided by the international campaign were directed toward the individuals in greatest need of life-altering medical care.
The campaign, which began in late July, has provided a significant reprieve for patients facing long-term health challenges. Dr. Hamam Barakat, a senior resident in vascular surgery at Damascus Hospital, noted that the scope of the mission extended beyond traditional surgery to include endovascular interventions, such as artery dilation. These procedures represent a critical transfer of knowledge, allowing local medical staff to familiarize themselves with advanced, minimally invasive surgical technologies.
Beyond the clinical outcomes, the initiative has had a tangible impact on the accessibility of healthcare. With the costs of surgical procedures, medical materials, and hospital stays fully covered by the campaign, the mission has alleviated substantial financial burdens for many families. For many patients, such as those who have waited years for specialized care, the mission has finally provided a pathway to treatment that was previously out of reach.
The “Shifa 4” campaign is sponsored by the Syrian Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. By integrating international expertise with local medical infrastructure, the initiative aims to bolster the healthcare system’s capacity to handle complex cases. This collaboration is part of a broader, ongoing effort to stabilize medical services and offer free, specialized care to vulnerable populations across the region.
