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Tag: Dr Anas Al Kassem

  • UOSSM launches ‘Syria solar’ initiative

    UOSSM launches ‘Syria solar’ initiative

    UOSSM launches the ‘Syria Solar’ Initiative on May 29, 2017, after 10 weeks of installation and months of testing and monitoring. The 480-panel pilot project is the first of its kind in Syria and was designed to stabilize electricity in hospitals in Syria.

    UOSSM installed 480 solar photovoltaic panels with a capacity of 127 kWp DC power, 288 batteries capable of storing 720kWh of power, and advanced data control systems. After six years of conflict, major sections of the electrical grid in Syria were destroyed making hospitals dependent on diesel generators. Frequent shortages of diesel jeopardized patient lives and skyrocketed the price of diesel fuel.

    The project is expected to save over 7,000 liters of diesel per month on average. This amounts to approximately 20-30% of the monthly energy cost of the hospital. The system can fully power the ICU, operating rooms and emergency departments during diesel outages. With the success of the pilot project, plans are drafted to deploy solar systems in five more vulnerable medical facilities in Syria. UOSSM is currently soliciting funding partners for upcoming ‘funding ready’ projects.

    Renewable energy for those critical facilities will increase the resilience of the health system in Syria, empower local communities, and help terminate the vicious cycle of the diesel-based war economy.
    “We believe that this type of projects brings hope. Solar energy is a democratizing force, that has the capacity to empower institutions and communities in very positive ways.

    Syria is in one of the best regions globally to harvest solar energy and needs to be leveraged. During the project implementation; restructuring the hospital electrical network, and working through the winter to deploy the technically complex system, were our greatest challenges. The goal now is to empower the health system by scaling the solar project to at least five other critical hospitals. Our dream is to see every medical facility in Syria running on clean, sustainable energy.” Said Tarek Makdissi, Project Director- UOSSM Syria Solar Initiative.

    “In our department, we have a total of 6 incubators. Electricity is critical for the functioning of these incubators. Electricity must be available continuously without shutdown or cut-offs. Even if the electricity was to shut down for half an hour, it can cause severe problems. Children in incubators need a constant temperature.” Said Mohamad Dirbas, UOSSM Neonatal Nurse.

    “This project is a symbol of hope for the Syrian people. We wanted to show the world that Syrians still believe in a brighter future and embrace positivity and progress. The majority of the electrical infrastructure in Syria was either bombed, dismantled or destroyed.

    Hospitals depend on diesel generators and are vulnerable to outages and price surges. Incubators, respirators, and other life-saving equipment need stable access to power. Many patients have died from simple power outages. The solar project was desperately needed. I am overjoyed that the project is running at full capacity and saving lives. Said Dr. Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM- Canada and War Surgeon.

  • BREAKING: Chemical attack kills 100, injures over 400 in Syria

    BREAKING: Chemical attack kills 100, injures over 400 in Syria

    Approximately 100 people were on Tuesday killed and at least 400 wounded by a chemical weapon attack in Khan Sheikhoun, Idlib.

    At about 6:30 a.m. Damascus time, warplanes dropped a chemical weapon on the neighbourhood of Khan Sheikhoun in southern Idlib. At least 25 of the victims were children. Three UOSSM medical staff were affected by the attack, and rushed to the ICU while treating patients.

    Medical facilities are overwhelmed with patients and unequipped to handle chemical attacks of this Syria man foamsmagnitude.

    Victims are experiencing the following symptoms:

    •Redness of the eyes
    •Foaming in the mouth
    •Myosis
    •Face cyanosis
    •Severe dyspnoea
    •Asphyxiation

    “Today’s gas attacks on children and civilians is inexcusable and the international community should take responsibility for their years of inaction. The international community must do everything in their power to immediately prosecute perpetrators for war crimes.

    “There have been over 170 reported chemical attacks in Syria since the UN Security Council Syriapassed resolution 2118 in September 2013, outlawing chemical weapons in Syria.

    “A massive investment must be made to prepare all medical facilities for these attacks and equip civilians with protective equipment. I am horrified and sickened that these attacks keep happening every week,” Dr Anas Al Kassem said.

    Many area hospitals have been attacked and put out of service, significantly complicating the situation:

    On April 2, the Maarat Al Nouman Central Hospital, the largest and best-equipped hospital in the region, was attacked and put out of service.

    Similarly, on April 3, Kafer Nabel hospital was attacked, one doctor was killed, and the facility was put out of service.

  • Syria: Chemical weapons attack in Latamneh, Hama injures 70

    Syria: Chemical weapons attack in Latamneh, Hama injures 70

    The Latamneh area in the suburbs of Hama was hit on Thursday by an airstrike which deployed a chemical weapons agent.

    At least 70 civilians, including medical personnel, have been reported injured from exposure to the chemical agent.

    Injured patients were rushed to area hospitals and were experiencing the following symptoms: nausea, agitation, foaming at the mouth, muscle spasms, and pinpoint pupils. Two patients went into cardiac arrest but no deaths have been reported.

    The patients had their clothing removed, were washed with soap and water, and treated with atropine and hydrocortisone.

    Much medical staff and ambulance drivers were also injured and experienced bronchial irritation as they were transporting and treating patients affected by the chemical agent, including two paramedics from the Sham Humanitarian Foundation.

    Personnel attending to injured persons in the ward
    Personnel attending to injured persons in the ward

    The organisation that provides medical support in the region, UOSSM reported that area hospitals did not have protective masks to protect the staff from exposure and injury.

    The Tashreen and Qaboun neighbourhoods in eastern Damascus city were also attacked with a chemical agent injuring dozens by intoxication and exposure to the poisonous gases.

    In addition to the chemical attacks, the Ibn al-Haitham pharmaceutical factory in western Aleppo was also put out of service yesterday, after the Mansurah town suffered an intense bombardment.

    [quote font_size=”18″ color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#ddae68″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]The security council resolution 2118 (2013) prohibits the use of any type of chemical weapons in Syria, as do resolutions 2209 (2015) and 2235 (2015) – Al Kassem.[/quote]

    “Since UNSCr 2118 was issued, chemical weapons were used over 150 times. The OPCW, who is mandated to prevent and prosecute the use of chemical weapons, is so clearly failing this mandate that it is an embarrassment to the international community.

    “There is both a lack in timely investigation and prosecution. How can we expect any international laws to be taken seriously when blatant violations go unpunished in Syria. “- Said Dr Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM, Canada.

  • Syria: Medical facility in Kafr Nabudah, Hama, attacked

    Syria: Medical facility in Kafr Nabudah, Hama, attacked

    A UOSSM supported medical facility in Hama was put out of service today after it was hit by a rocket. The UOSSM Kafr Nabudah Medical Facility was attacked at approximately 1:30 p.m. Damascus time, causing damage to the building and putting it out of service. There was one minor injury to a staff member.

    The building, foundation, generator, doors, windows and walls were all damaged, according to the Hama Health Directorate.

    In the past four months, the medical facility provided services to over 30,000 people, follow up treatment to over 5,000 patients a month, and emergency care to over 6,000 families.  Recently, the centre was also providing treatment for leishmaniasis

    There has been a sharp increase in medical facility attacks in the past month, destroying facilities and leaving large populations without access to medical care. In a recent study conducted by UOSSM of 107 hospitals examined in Aleppo, Idlib, Latakia, Hama, Daraa, Quneitra, and Homs, all were hit at least once by direct or indirect airstrikes. Some hospitals were struck as many as 25 times.

    “Just 2 days ago a surgeon, Dr Ali Darwish, was killed by a gas attack WHILE operating on a patient. The patient died as well. It’s heartbreaking because these workers choose their patients’ lives over their own. This level of targeted violence against hospitals and medical workers is unprecedented in history.

    “If the international community wants to ignore the blatant and methodical war crimes and gross violations of International Humanitarian Law, that is their choice. Leaders should note that these are laws, not suggestions. They are mandated to act, not just when it is easy or politically convenient. The very minimum they can do is help fund the fortification of hospitals so health workers can continue to save lives. ”- Said Dr Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM Canada.

  • Syria: Measles outbreak in Ghouta, five hospital attacks in nine Days

    Syria: Measles outbreak in Ghouta, five hospital attacks in nine Days

    There has been an alarming rise in cases of the measles in Ghouta, Syria.

    According to EWARN, there have been 121 cases in the past two months, compared to 50 cases in the past two years.
    Several areas throughout Syria remain under heavy siege. Two doctors were killed and hospitals are constantly being targeted.

    On Sunday, a dentist was killed in an airstrike in Daraa, and on Tuesday, a paramedic was killed in Daraa as well. A hospital was impacted by an airstrike today in Daraa. In the past week, three hospitals in the suburbs of Hama, in Kafr Zeta, have been attacked and put out of service. 

    On March 14, A hospital in Mseifra, in rural Eastern Daraa was hit by an airstrike  near the hospital which resulted in minor structural damages (doors and windows) and left two people wounded. The facility continued to operate.

    See Video

    On March 8, the Kafr Zeta Specialty Hospital, in rural Hama, was put out of service after being attacked by an airstrike resulting in the destruction of doors, windows, water and electricity systems. There were no casualties reported.

    [quote color=”#000000″ bgcolor=”#dbbc87″ bcolor=”#dd3333″ arrow=”yes”]The building had moderate structural damage and the facility went out of service. On a monthly basis, the hospital was providing an average of 600 consultations, 100 admissions, 70 major surgeries, 50 deliveries and 180 Trauma cases.[/quote]

    On March 8, the Dr. Hasan Araj Cave Hospital in rural Hama, built under 50 ft of rock, was also attacked causing structural damage. This was not the first time this hospital was attacked. The area had over 15 air raids and at least three airstrikes on both hospitals, which are within 10 miles of each other.

     

    On March 7, a hospital in Kafr Zeita, Hama was impacted by airstrikes destroying the medical supply storage area. No casualties were reported and the building had moderate structural damage rendering it out of service. On a monthly basis, the hospital was providing an average of 1900 consultations, 450 admissions, 150 major surgeries, 70 deliveries and 25 trauma cases.

    On March 5, A hospital in Kafr Nobol, Idleb, was hit by an airstrike resulting in the top floor being destroyed and moderate structural damage. There were no casualties reported and the facility went out of service. On a monthly basis, the hospital was providing an average of 3,792 consultations, 41 admissions, 332 major surgeries. These services were disrupted.

    There is significant pressure on hospitals that are still operating and supplies are running extremely low or completely depleted.

    In Ghouta, in the suburbs of Damascus, a third person died from kidney failure as there are no supplies available to provide dialysis treatment. Medications and supplies are still not allowed in the area. 

    “The vicious attacks on medical facilities in the past 10 days must stop and perpetrators must be held accountable.  The attack of hospitals and murder of medical staff is a clear violation of International Humanitarian Law and a war crime.

    It breaks my heart to see the children suffering from measles, an archaic and easily preventable disease. Opening aid supply lines, providing medical access and vaccinating all children must be a top priority to head off a potential pandemic.” Said Dr. Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM Canada.

  • Syria: Six hospitals put out of service in Daraa

    Syria: Six hospitals put out of service in Daraa

    The Non-governmental/Non-political & Non-sectarian organisation that provides medical relief, supports health needs of people affected by crises (UOSSM) on Friday disclosed that six hospitals have been partially put out of service in Daraa, a city in southwestern Syria in the past week.

    According to UOSSM, the violence has rapidly escalated in several areas throughout Daraa since the 5th of February. Area hospitals have been put out of service after being targeted directly and indirectly with some partially operating. Three nurses were wounded in the attacks along with civilians killed.

    “The danger to doctors and medical staff in the area has reached a critical level, endangering the civilian population. UOSSM calls for the immediate cessation of attacks against medical facilities and for perpetrators to be held accountable for war crimes.”

    Dr Anas Al Kassem, Chairman of UOSSM Canada said, “What is happening in Daraa is reminiscent of the brutal strategy of targeting hospitals and public infrastructure in Aleppo. The wanton killing of civilians and medical staff in Syria is horrific and must stop now. ”

  • Omar Bin Abdul Aziz hospital destroyed in Syria

    Omar Bin Abdul Aziz hospital destroyed in Syria

    • Eastern Aleppo without Operating Hospitals

    The Omar Bin Abdul Aziz Hospital In Aleppo was recently hit by a wave of artillery strikes in the wake of fresh attacks on Syra.

    Casualties and injury numbers are unconfirmed but there are reports of staff and patients trapped in the rubble.

    According to the UOSSM in a statement made available to The Nation, four hospitals have been closed in Aleppo after heavy airstrikes and bombings damaged the facilities leaving East Aleppo without any major operating hospitals (confirmed by the Aleppo Health Directorate). Aleppo is totally besieged, civilians and aid workers are terrified of an impending genocide.

    The first hospital, a paediatric hospital was hit for a second time in three days. The video emerged from an Al-Jazeera reporter, Omar Al Halabi, as he was in the hospital filming patients being treated for a suspected chlorine attack from nearby Hanano neighbourhood. The hospital was attacked as the report was being filmed, the chaotic scene was caught on video.

    Two nurses were removing premature babies from neonatal units and burst into tears from distress.  According to the Turkey Health Cluster the hospital provided 3812 consultations and 300 admissions per month.

    Another hospital was attacked for the third time in three days putting it out of service. According to the Turkey Health Cluster the hospital provided 3209 consultations, 369 admissions and 137 major surgeries a month.

    There are reports, unverified by UOSSM, that 12 civilians with symptoms consistent with chlorine inhalation have been injured in the Hanano neighbourhood as six barrel bombs were dropped containing choking agents suspected to be chlorine gas.

    Similarly, another hospital was attacked. The facility was moderately damaged and shut down. According to the Turkey Health Cluster the hospital provided 3000 consultations, 194 admissions, and 454 major surgeries per month.

    This comes in light of the quickly deteriorating situation in Eastern Aleppo as medical care and supplies are running extremely low. Local authorities are pleading with the UN and welcome any immediate airdrop or convoy of aid including medications, food and aid.

    In the past ten days alone at least 12 hospitals and medical facilities have been attacked, two medical staff have been killed and 16 medical personnel, including doctors and nurses, have been injured. UOSSM condemns in the strongest possible terms the systematic and deliberate eradication of health care facilities in Aleppo and Syria.

    “There have been 5 brutal years of hospital attacks, medical worker torture and the assassination in Syria without even a hint of holding perpetrators accountable for war crimes under International Humanitarian Law. The laws are crystal clear and evidence damning for these violations.  The international community must act now to protect what little is left of the medical infrastructure in Syria.” Said Dr. Anas Al Kassem, Surgeon and Chairman Of UOSSM Canada