Concerns Arise Over Syrian Doctors as Political Changes in Syria Loom
In Germany, the number of Syrian doctors has significantly increased, raising alarms about the potential impact on the country’s healthcare system should they choose to return to Syria following recent political developments. As the regime of Bashar Assad faces growing challenges, discussions among German policymakers have begun about encouraging some refugees to go back home.
Over the past decade, Germany has emerged as a prominent destination for Syrian asylum seekers. However, some officials are expressing concern about the loss of skilled labor, particularly within the healthcare sector. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser emphasized the importance of retaining well-integrated Syrians who are contributing positively to the economy, stating that a significant exodus of qualified professionals would be detrimental to healthcare services.
Syrian refugees, particularly those in the medical field, have become essential to a healthcare system already grappling with staff shortages due to an aging population. According to the German Hospital Federation, Syrian doctors now represent the largest group of foreign medical professionals, comprising between 2% to 3% of the total. Approximately 5,000 Syrian doctors work in hospitals across the country, while Health Minister Karl Lauterbach estimates the total number at over 6,000, calling them “indispensable” to the healthcare landscape.
Gerald Gass of the German Hospital Federation noted that reactions among Syrian doctors vary widely. While some contemplate returning to Syria if conditions stabilize, many others feel secure and well-adjusted in Germany. Nevertheless, he does not foresee a significant movement of Syrian doctors back to their homeland at this time. Gass also pointed out that while immediate patient care would not collapse if all Syrian doctors were to leave, their absence could cause operational challenges, especially in smaller healthcare facilities.
Many Syrian doctors have built a life in Germany, as highlighted by Dr. Hiba Alnayef, a pediatrician who expressed uncertainty about the future, recognizing that some Syrians wish to return home, but others, like herself, consider Germany a new homeland. Alnayef has also proposed collaboration between the healthcare sectors of Germany and Syria, emphasizing that both nations could mutually benefit from such partnerships, given the needs for skilled professionals in Germany and support in rebuilding Syria.
Alnayef voiced concerns about the current state of the German healthcare system, stating that a reduction in the number of Syrian doctors would exacerbate existing understaffing issues. She noted that while Germany offers a “safe harbor,” challenges like discrimination and integration remain significant hurdles for many refugees.
Dr. Ayham Darouich, who has established a practice in Berlin, shared that his friends are similarly disinclined to return to Syria, favoring the lives they’ve built in Germany with their families and professional networks. He regards the fears of a mass return as overstated but acknowledges that Germany needs to implement more measures to retain medical professionals educated in the country. Darouich highlighted discrepancies in wages and poor working conditions compared to places like the U.S. or Switzerland, which may lead to further attrition of healthcare workers.
As discussions continue regarding Syria’s political climate, the future of Syrian doctors in Germany remains a critical topic, with potential ramifications for both the healthcare system in Germany and the rebuilding efforts in Syria.