The Kurdish humanitarian aid group Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê, also known as the Kurdish Red Crescent, has opened the first oncology hospital in North and East Syria in Qamishli (Qamishlo). Civil society representatives and local citizens attended the event on Tuesday.
The hospital, which focuses on specialised care for cancer patients and includes a dedicated burn unit, is a vital addition to the region’s healthcare infrastructure. Heyva Sor a Kurdistanê has made significant progress in strengthening health services through years of active involvement in the area.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dilgeş Isa, co-chair of the organisation, reiterated their commitment: “We have been working on this hospital for years, starting with the oncology department. Cancer patients will receive free treatment, and our ongoing efforts include the completion of the thalassaemia and burn wards.”
Highlighting the community’s collective resilience, Sewafe Mihemed, who lost her three children due to fighting in the region, symbolically cut the opening ribbon. Participants were given a tour of the hospital to see its advanced medical technology, including an oxygen centre, a water purification plant and specialised medical equipment.
The establishment of the Oncology Hospital in Qamishli represents a significant improvement for the local population, providing healthcare that is both accessible and affordable. This is particularly important as there are currently no similar centres in North and East Syria. Until now, many patients have had to travel to Damascus, Aleppo and Iraqi Kurdistan, at a high cost to themselves. The hospital is expected to have a transformative effect, providing essential medical services and hope to those struggling with cancer and burn-related health problems.
