Healthcare: Doctors’ representatives: Care gap without Syrian specialists

Doctors and nursing representatives warn of a gap in healthcare provision if many Syrian specialists leave Germany after the upheaval in their country of origin. “In rural regions, Syrian doctors maintain care in hospitals, without them things will be tight,” said the President of the Association of Senior Hospital Doctors, Michael Weber, to “Bild”.

It is to be expected that “a substantial proportion of the approximately 5,000 Syrian doctors in hospitals will return to their home country.” Politicians have neglected to ensure more medical study places.

“Relevant burden” for the supply situation

The chairwoman of the Marburger Bund doctors’ association, Susanne Johna, also warned of a “relevant burden on the already strained medical care situation in Germany” if Syrian doctors were to leave the country.

Nursing representatives are also concerned about a possible worsening of the shortage of skilled workers. The managing director of the Care Employers’ Association (AGVP), Isabell Halletz, told “Bild” that Syrian employees are “a central pillar among refugees in care. A return of these skilled workers and workers would be a serious blow for geriatric care.” Smaller facilities could face extinction, she warned.