Newborn Nihad, just an hour old, was rushed to Akhtarin Health Hospital, operated by the Syrian Relief and Development Organization, after being born prematurely at 33 weeks in his parents’ home.
A Critical Condition and Swift Intervention
Dr. Ahmad, the physician overseeing Nihad’s case, described the situation:
“The baby arrived at the hospital in respiratory distress due to his prematurity. He was immediately admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and placed on a ventilator as part of a carefully planned treatment protocol.”
He added:
“Saving his life was a significant challenge. In cases like this, neonatal mortality is unfortunately common. However, the baby’s timely arrival and the successful medical intervention ensured his survival.”
Gradual Recovery
Over the following days, Nihad’s condition began to improve steadily. His health stabilized, allowing the medical team to prepare for his discharge back to his family. Nihad is the youngest among a family of five, living in Wash Village near Akhtarin. Like most residents in the area, they face tough economic conditions.
“We fled from Aleppo seven years ago after the devastating attacks on eastern Aleppo. We live in severe economic hardship, with few job opportunities. Now, with Nihad’s arrival, our needs have increased—we require baby formula and diapers for him.”
A Story of Displacement and Struggle
Nihad’s father shared their plight:
“We fled from Aleppo seven years ago after the devastating attacks on eastern Aleppo. We live in severe economic hardship, with few job opportunities. Now, with Nihad’s arrival, our needs have increased—we require baby formula and diapers for him.”
He expressed his gratitude, saying:
“We are incredibly thankful to the medical team at Akhtarin Health Hospital. They saved my baby’s life and provided care we could never afford. Nihad needed a ventilator and a week-long stay in the NICU, and the hospital spared us the burden of traveling to other facilities and the costs we couldn’t bear.”
The Role of Akhtarin Health Hospital
Akhtarin Health Hospital plays a vital role in delivering free healthcare services to residents of the town, nearby villages, and camps. Its departments include:
- Emergency and Nursing Unit
- Internal Medicine Clinic
- Pediatrics Clinic
- Gynecology Clinic
- Dialysis Unit
- Pediatrics Ward, NICU, and ICU
- Laboratory and Pharmacy
More than 5,000 people benefit from the hospital’s services monthly, covering Akhtarin and over 60 surrounding villages and towns.
A Message of Hope
Nihad’s story is not only about saving a life but also a testament to the significance of timely medical intervention and free healthcare services in saving lives, especially in areas plagued by poverty and displacement. Akhtarin Health Hospital continues to be a beacon of hope for a community in dire need of care and support.
