Shai Fund's Emergency Medical Clinic Plays Life-Saving Role in Syria

Shai Fund's Emergency Medical Clinic located in the al-Qahtaniya sub-district of Northeast Syria, is strategically positioned to serve a diverse population of Christians, Yazidis, Kurds, and Arabs, many of whom face persecution, economic hardships, and ongoing threats from Islamist militias and Turkish-backed incursions. This facility is not only a healthcare provider but also a symbol of resilience and hope in a region where access to medical care is extremely limited.

Northeast Syria, governed by the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES), has become a rare haven for minorities fleeing violence across the country. Unlike the rest of Syria, AANES provides a framework for governance rooted in democracy, religious freedom, and gender equality. For persecuted groups, this area represents a chance to live with dignity and safety. AANES' policies have created an environment where freedom of religion, education, and employment thrive—conditions that are unavailable elsewhere in Syria.

The clinic is integral to supporting this fragile but vital haven, offering life-saving medical care and reinforcing the region’s stability. Since its full operational launch in August 2023, the clinic has treated thousands of patients, including emergency cases. With services spanning internal medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, X-rays, and laboratory diagnostics, the clinic has become a cornerstone for healthcare in the region. It also provides job opportunities for local medical professionals, helping retain valuable talent in the area.

New Arrivals and Escalating Needs

The recent violence and take-over of cities across Syria has driven an increasing number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to seek refuge in Northeast Syria, further stretching the clinic’s resources. These families are fleeing from areas under Islamist militia control, where persecution and violence make life untenable.

Many of these families fled with little more than the clothes on their backs, arriving physically and emotionally scarred, and in immediate need of medical assistance, food, and basic resources.

The clinic has quickly become a refuge for these displaced families, providing immediate medical care and stabilization. For instance, the pediatric team has been working tirelessly to treat the children, while the clinic’s gynecology services have been essential for women arriving with health complications after long and arduous journeys.