Syrian regime deliberately strikes hospitals, medics: WHO, Opposition

(Zaman Al Wasl)- Health Minister in the opposition's Interim Government condemned regime and Russia's deliberate attacks on medical facilities in the northern Hama and southern Idlib area, saying wounded people have nowhere to have treatment.

Mohamed Firas al-Jundi said at least four hospital were struck by regime and Russia as its warplanes conducted more than 105 raids in the past 24 hours in response to a major rebel attack launched on Tuesday. The attack was the biggest in the area since March in the northern Hama and southern Idlib.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrikes hit three hospitals, a medical center and premises used by a rescue service in rebel-held Idlib.

World Health Organization said all three hospitals in Kafr Nabl, Khan Sheikhoun, and Heish sub-districts are no longer in service.

An attack on a hospital specializing in maternal and paediatric services in Heish killed one health worker and severely injured another. The hospital, which sustained significant structural damage, previously provided an average 13 150 consultations, 2360 admissions, 1500 major surgeries and care for 1500 war-related trauma cases every month, WHO said in statement.

On Wednesday, Six people, including 4 women, were killed in Qalaat al-Madiq, and 4 more people, including two women, were also killed in Maarrat al-Nu'man town, Civil Defense Paramedic group said.

Hayat Tahir al-Sham, former al-Qaeda group, backed by 5 rebel factions launched major attack on regime bastions in Maan town. Rebels have also launched rocket attack on Hama military airport.

The regime army said the attack was being repelled, and rebels had suffered losses.

The hospitals in Kafr Nabl and Khan Sheikhoun previously each registered 2300 and 800 consultations per month, along with surgeries and trauma care.

In northern rural Hama, near the town of Atshan, two paramedics were reportedly killed in an attack that destroyed two ambulances.

WHO said the attacks had deprived civilians caught in the crossfire of the critical trauma care and health services they need.

Syria is among the most dangerous countries in the world to be a health worker today – it ranks highest for attacks on health facilities and personnel. WHO has documented credible reports of nearly 100 attacks on health workers and facilities this year and 207 attacks in 2016.