Doctors to perform life-saving procedures and training during Ramadan amid healthcare crisis
March 4th, 2025 – As millions around the world observe Ramadan, a time of reflection, selflessness, and giving, 16 volunteer doctors from the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) are on a crucial medical mission to newly liberated Syria. These dedicated healthcare professionals are providing life-saving procedures and urgent medical care to communities suffering from severe healthcare shortages. While fasting during the day, they break their fast alongside the patients and families they are there to serve, demonstrating incredible sacrifice and commitment to those in need.
For over a decade, Syria’s healthcare system has been overwhelmed by conflict, medical supply shortages, and destroyed infrastructure. Many hospitals operate at minimal capacity, and access to specialized care remains limited. SAMS continues to play a vital role in rebuilding the country’s medical system through ongoing missions led by experienced specialists, who offer not only treatment but also training and resources to local healthcare workers.
Now, in the context of a free Syria, this mission carries even greater significance. As Syria moves toward recovery and freedom, the efforts of these volunteer doctors symbolize hope, resilience, and the rebuilding of a nation that has endured immense hardships. The continued presence of SAMS and its volunteers represents a renewed commitment to Syria’s future—one where access to healthcare and medical services is no longer a privilege but a basic right for all Syrians.
“During Ramadan, a time of selflessness and compassion, our volunteer doctors are sacrificing their own comfort to ensure that Syrians in desperate need receive essential medical care,” said Dr. Mufaddal Hamadeh, SAMS President. “Their dedication to the humanitarian cause embodies the true spirit of Ramadan, and their continued work will have a lasting impact on thousands of lives, helping to heal not just bodies, but a nation on the path to recovery.”
Mission Highlights
This multi-specialty mission focuses on urgent interventions and treating patients who would otherwise have no access to specialized care. Key initiatives include:
- Vision-Saving Surgeries: Advanced retina and ophthalmic procedures, preventing blindness in at-risk patients.
- Emergency Cardiac Interventions: Life-saving heart procedures, including catheterization and stent placements.
- Pediatric & Neonatal Care: Critical care for premature infants and children, improving survival rates in underserved regions.
- Surgical & Oncology Treatments: General and surgical oncology cases, offering vital interventions for cancer patients.
- Maternal Health & Women’s Care: Gynecological surgeries and hysteroscopy procedures, ensuring access to specialized care for women in need.
Syria’s ongoing medical crisis has left millions without reliable healthcare, with over 70 percent of healthcare workers displaced and half of the country’s hospitals either nonfunctional or operating at reduced capacity. SAMS’ missions provide critical care to thousands of patients each year, alleviating suffering while working to rebuild sustainable healthcare infrastructure. This Ramadan, as their colleagues around the world spend time with family and community, these volunteer physicians will dedicate their days to healing the sick and restoring hope.
To learn more about SAMS’ emergency response and to donate to the emergency relief fund, go to: www.sams-usa.net/donate
For more information, contact:
Blaine Heck / blaineheckpr@gmail.com
Venessa King / vk@venessaking.com
SAMS is a nonprofit, non-political organization that works on the front lines of crisis relief, providing medical and humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable in Syria, its neighboring countries, and beyond. Last year, SAMS provided lifesaving medical services to 3.6 million people. For more information about SAMS, go to www.sams-usa.net.
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