WHO delivers supplies to expand access to free emergency health services in Homs

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday delivered the first medical supplies under an agreement with private health providers in Homs to expand access to free emergency care. In a statement issued on Wednesday, a copy of which was obtained by Petra, the WHO said that since April last year, the organization has delivered medical supplies for treating almost one million patients in Homs governorate, a majority of whom live in opposition-controlled areas "The new agreement with hospitals in the area is vital for expanding access to free emergency medical care. With supplies pre-positioned in our local warehouse, we stand ready to assist all health providers," says Dr Sayed Bakhiet, WHO team leader in Homs. He added that out of 12 public hospitals in the Homs governorate, the only four that are still operational are outside the city itself, while out of 215 primary health care centres only 103 are functioning. "Blood bank services are only available in one health centre which is difficult to access due to security reasons. Treatment for complicated heart problems is available in only two private hospitals." The statement added that the Homs governorate faces a huge gap in qualified medical staff; at least 70% of medical doctors have left Homs. The organization added that it continues to work with all health partners to increase access to health services. "WHO also monitors the health situation in Homs through a disease surveillance system encompassing 51 health providers, in government- and opposition-controlled areas, reporting on a weekly basis," the statement said. The statement noted that the United Nations (UN) agencies work together from a hub in Homs to bring much needed relief. Since April 2013, 19 cross-line humanitarian convoys have brought relief to people in the area. Administrative Director of Al Amin Hospital, Dr. Abdulsalam Abrash, said that "In a bad week we’re seeing up to 100 injured people, but we haven’t been able to treat them adequately because of shortages." "With this initiative, we should be able to help every patient who comes seeking medical assistance." With fighting ongoing and an increasing number of people injured, WHO arranged to provide all of the hospitals in the area still functioning with emergency medical supplies. The hospitals will in turn use these supplies to treat patients with conflict-related injuries free of charge.