Syriac Cross medical clinic inaugurated in North and East Syria to provide vital healthcare support to vulnerable communities

QABRE HEWORE, Syria — In a significant effort to alleviate the challenges faced by the region’s economically disadvantaged population, the Syriac Cross Organization for Relief and Development has opened a medical clinic in Qabre Hewore (Qahtaniyah), North and East Syria.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Bethnahrain National Council (Mawtbo Umthoyo D’Bethnahrin, MUB), President of the International Religious Freedom Secretariat and former Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Nadine Maenza, representatives of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria Health Authority, and the general public.

Wonderful to be back in NE #Syria & participate in grand opening of the Syriac Cross Medical Clinic in Tirbe Spi funded by @ShaiFund.

Especially with Turkey attacking #Syriac–#Assyrian areas nearby, this clinic will save lives. pic.twitter.com/W5zSxcnvRH

— Nadine Maenza (@nadinemaenza) August 6, 2023

The opening began with a minute of silence for the souls of martyrs. Official of the clinic Sima Gawrieh then delivered a speech in which she stated, “Due to the continuing conflict and instability of the region, the opening of the clinic was not a priority for the donors.” She added that, after the attacks against the region in 2019, there was an even more urgent need to open a medical clinic.

Member of the AANES Health Authority Sherin Khoury delivered a speech in which she stressed the importance of the project given the difficult conditions in North and East Syria.

Nadine Maenza, in turn, extended her congratulations to the entire team responsible for bringing this vital project to fruition. She acknowledged the pivotal role the clinic will play in meeting the healthcare needs of a substantial number of citizens.

Congratulatory letters by the Syriac Women’s Union (SWU), the Syriac Cultural Association, and the Assyrian Democratic Organization (ADO) were read.

The event was further enriched by captivating performances of traditional folklore dances presented by the Syriac Folk Bands of Inana and Yurthutha. The culmination of the ceremony saw the official ribbon being cut jointly by the clinic’s representative and Nadine Maenza.

The clinic boasts a well-equipped medical staff and is accompanied by an ambulance vehicle. Its comprehensive facilities encompass distinct departments catering to women, internal medicine, children, as well as specialized sections for X-ray imaging, laboratory analysis, and a pharmacy.