Reports | 25 05 2020
The Patriarchate of Antioch and All the East for the Greek Orthodox in al-Suwayda launched, this February, a campaign to provide medical services and surgeries at the Patriarchate's own expense, for displaced persons from other provinces, as well as the needy of al-Suwayda.
Eighty Percent To Displaced Families
Raghida Al-Ashhab al-Suwayda Director for the Patriarchate tells Rozana: "The campaign is under the framework of a varied program to assist Syrian families, with regard to treatment and surgery." She confirms that priority is given to displaced families, meaning that 80% of program resources go to the benefit of these families, with the rest to the needy people of the province.
Several pharmacies and hospitals went into contracts with the Patriarchate, as well as doctors from Suwayda, delivering medication and treatment, at the program's cost.
This medical program has, over the past year, enabled the provision of in excess of six million Syrian pounds, covering the costs of 230 surgeries and 68 normal delivery procedures.
Why This Campaign?
The Patriarchate program was initiated with the start of the large influx of of people from other provinces to Suwayda, and the urgent need for housing assistance. With the passage of time, worsening economic conditions, and rising food prices and rents, the program also evolved to comprise other aspects.
Dr. Samir Chalwit, obstetrician-gynecologist says: "The program started nearly four years ago, to provide various services, particularly medical serivces; namely operations, prognosis, radiograpy, and analyses;" pointing out that doctors contracted with the program charge reduced rates, in coordination with those in charge of the program.
This is confirmed by Dr. Sohail Shujaa, who adds that the program includes coverage of tumor resection costs. The patient can choose his physician, and inform the Patriarchate thereof.
"We Benefited from this Program"
Maysa Rifai, from al-Hameh area near the capital Damascus, says: "The Patriarchate helped us secure a place to live in the village of Atil, also helping us pay the rent, and secure a water tank."
She adds that she also benefited from professional courses through the Patriarchate, learning knitting, haircutting, and housekeeping; her children on the ohter hand enrolled in courses for the students of junior high and high school certificates.
Mustafa Mahloul fled from his city of Maarat al-Nouman to Suwayda. But despite his long experience as a professional tailor, could not secure employment. The Patriarchate extended him a three hundred thousand [Syrian] Pounds loan, by means of which he managed to open a small workshop to support his family and himself. Mustafa started to repay the loan amount in monthly installments, six months after having received it.
The Department of Ecumenical Relations at the Patriarchate has, during the past year, extended a variety of services under its programs to 29,887 families; including health education and vocational training, people empowerment and community capacity building, civil societies support, help for displaced and needy families whether financially or through the provision of clothing, blankets and kitchen utensils.