UOSSM Supported Hospital Seriously Damaged in Airstrike

Cincinnati, OH – A major hospital was hit by airstrikes and seriously damaged in the besieged area of Aleppo just hours ago, at approximately 4 p.m. Damascus time. No fatalities were reported and 35 patients were transferred to another medical facility.

The hospital, supported by UOSSM and other NGO’s, serves a population of 150,000 people in the besieged area, and is among the last few operating medical facilities remaining.

UOSSM cannot release the name of the hospital to protect it from repeated hospital attacks, which has been observed in three separate attacks on one major hospital over the course of a few weeks.“The situation in Aleppo is catastrophic; only a few doctors and a few hospitals remain to care for the ill and wounded in a time when there is a relentless bombardment of the area, which is leading to an astronomical rise in the number of patients with trauma injuries,” said Dr. Khaula Sawah, CEO of UOSSM USA.

It is estimated that at least 500 civilians have been killed and over 1700 wounded since the beginning of September, and at least 338 civilians have been killed since the beginning of October from the aerial campaign on Aleppo. Further adding to the distress is the fact that White Helmet (Syrian Civil Defense) Centers have also been targeted leading to a delay in the emergency response rate.

Dr. Sawah added, “UOSSM holds all stakeholders accountable for the bloodshed in Syria and demands immediate action be taken to protect human lives, healthcare workers, healthcare facilities and civilian objects. We implore the UNGA to take action and to come to a peaceful resolution during the UN General Assembly.”

The emergency special session can be based on the UNGA 370A/1950 “Uniting for Peace” resolution which marked that the General Assembly shall consider the matter immediately when the Security Council fails to act as required to maintain international peace and security.