The Doctors Without Borders (MSF) group announced it will resume its medical work in the Eastern Ghouta after it was suspended in April due to “infractions on health care by armed opposition.”
The group said in a statement that it would resume its medical support in the Eastern Ghouta of the Damascus countryside under conditions set before the conflicting armed parties.
The statement said that the group’s “medical support is now restarting, following recent reports from MSF-supported doctors in the area indicated that there are some signs of increased respect of the integrity of health facilities, patients and health workers.”
The group in its statement called for armed groups to be prevented from entering health facilities, and to take necessary precautions to avoid any direct action against health care facilities or damaging them during fighting.
They also called for wounded and patients to be allowed to be transported regardless of their identity and that the movement of ambulances not be impeded. Furthermore, it stressed that medical facilities, equipment or ambulances must not to be used for military purposes.
MSF stopped all support for medical centers last April after hospitals it supports in the Eastern Ghouta were subjected to violations during the fighting between armed factions.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
