The Syrian Ministries of Health and Higher Education and Scientific Research launched the third Shifa medical campaign under the slogan “Hand in Hand for Syria,” aiming to provide free specialized medical and surgical care to the most vulnerable groups.
The campaign is organized by the Shifa Medical Team from Germany in cooperation with the Independent Doctors’ Association (IDA), with the participation of volunteer doctors and surgeons from multiple specialties. It comes as part of joint efforts to strengthen access to quality healthcare and ease the burden on citizens amid ongoing recovery challenges.
Continuing a Path of Medical Solidarity
Interventional cardiologist Dr. Ali al-Qadri from the ShifaMed team explained that “Shifa 3” builds on the success of the previous two campaigns. Around 250 interventional cardiac procedures were performed during Shifa 1, followed by approximately 350 procedures during Shifa 2.
He noted that the cumulative goal across the three campaigns is to reach nearly 750 patients, with about 150 patients expected to receive treatment during the current phase. Qadri emphasized that the participation of Syrian doctors from abroad, particularly from Germany, reflects their commitment to supporting Syria’s health sector by transferring expertise and ensuring continuity of specialized care for those most in need.
Comprehensive Cancer Care and Specialized Programs
The Shifa campaign extends beyond cardiac care to include 10–11 medical and surgical specialties. A key component is a specialized scientific and clinical program dedicated to treating gastrointestinal, urological, pulmonary, and breast cancers at Al-Biruni University Hospital.
This program combines scientific sessions with multidisciplinary case discussions involving oncology, surgery, and radiation therapy specialists. The approach follows the latest international treatment protocols and aims to unify therapeutic plans while improving the overall quality of cancer care.
Knowledge Exchange and Advanced Surgical Practice
Director-General of Biruni University Hospital, Dr. Radwan al-Ahmad, stated that the initiative focuses on exchanging both theoretical and practical expertise in treating gastrointestinal, urological, bone, and breast cancers.
He explained that the program includes a two-day theoretical component featuring lectures and scientific discussions, alongside a practical component involving specialized surgical operations. These procedures began earlier this year and will continue for seven days, directly benefiting patients while strengthening local medical capacities.
Coverage Across Five Governorates
Bashir al-Shatti, IDA field supervisor, clarified the campaign covers five governorates: Damascus, Homs, Daraa, Aleppo, and Idlib. Services include cardiac interventions and pediatric internal medicine at Al-Mawasat Hospital, scheduled to begin early next week, in addition to orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and a range of other medical specialties delivered across participating regions.
The third Shifa campaign reflects a growing model of cooperation between state institutions, civil organizations, and Syrian medical professionals abroad, reinforcing solidarity-driven healthcare initiatives during Syria’s recovery phase.
