Medical Volunteers Bridge Two Nations as Germany Weighs Impact of Potential Departures
In April 2025, over 80 Syrian doctors from the Syrian-German Medical Association (SGMA) returned to Syria to provide medical assistance, including surgeries and training, in response to the country’s deteriorated healthcare system. This initiative was largely self-funded, with doctors raising nearly €100,000 and bringing medical supplies from their clinics. The mission aimed to address the severe shortages in medical equipment and staff, as many hospitals in Syria remain under-resourced after years of conflict.
The SGMA, founded in early 2025, has grown to around 500 members. It originated from a WhatsApp group of doctors seeking ways to assist Syria. Their efforts are part of a broader movement to rebuild Syria’s healthcare infrastructure, with support from local NGOs and the Syrian Ministry of Health.
However, the mission also highlights concerns within Germany’s healthcare system. With over 6,000 Syrian doctors working in Germany, many of whom are well-integrated and essential to the healthcare workforce, there are fears that political changes in Syria could lead to a significant number returning home. Such a shift could exacerbate staffing shortages in German hospitals, particularly in underserved regions.
In response, Germany has initiated hospital partnerships with Syria, aiming to facilitate knowledge transfer and support the rebuilding of Syria’s healthcare sector. These partnerships seek to balance the needs of both countries, allowing Syrian doctors to contribute to Syria’s recovery while remaining integrated into Germany’s healthcare system.
The situation underscores the complex dynamics between migration, healthcare, and international cooperation, as Syrian doctors navigate their roles in both their host and home countries.
