For Immediate Release
June 29, 2018
Washington, D.C. – Over the past several days, SAMS-supported Al-Ihsan Hospital in Ghariyeh, Dara’a, was subjected to heavy aerial bombardment and explosive barrels, which resulted in significant damage to the facility. On June 27, 2018, SAMS medical worker Asaad Zoubi was killed in one of the attacks on the hospital. That same day, another attack injured two medical workers. On June 28, SAMS security guard, Ali al-Refai, 32, was also killed in an aerial attack while helping families escape the bombing on the only main road linking the western and eastern countryside. The medical team evacuated the hospital on June 27th, and it was forced out of service.
Al-Ihsan Hospital after attacks forced it out of service on June 27 & 28, 2018
Al-Ihsan Hospital was one of the main hospitals in the eastern region of rural Dara’a, offering diverse services including internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, ambulances, physical therapy, dermatology, intensive care, and a blood bank. The hospital employed 117 medical personnel, including 18 doctors. Al-Ihsan Hospital provided approximately 8,000 consultations and 15,000 medical services monthly, serving various areas of Dara’a. The surgical department covered an average of 120 surgeries per month.
Al-Ihsan Hospital before the attacks on June 27 & June 28
“Once again, civilians and medical workers are being subjected to heinous and relentless attacks. The deliberate targeting of healthcare in Syria exacerbates the ongoing humanitarian disaster. The international community should put an end to impunity, and hold violators of international humanitarian law accountable,” said SAMS President Dr. Ahmad Tarakji.
As aerial attacks continue in Dara’a, the number of internally displaced people has now reached 270,000. SAMS strongly condemns the targeting of civilian populations and healthcare facilities. We call for the protection of civilians and medical workers, and for the immediate cessation of these relentless attacks which constitute blatant violations of medical neutrality.
For media inquiries, contact Lobna Hassairi, SAMS’s Media and Communications at lobna.hassairi@sams-usa.net.
