Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41526952›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2026

Assessing health system readiness for reconstruction in post-conflict Damascus Governorate, Syria: a cross-sectional study.

Mohammed Kaddah, Isam Alkhouri, Eman Alkhalaf, Mawia Karkoutly

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

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3 · Its place in the literature

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4 · The record

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

4 authors.

Mohammed KaddahDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic. Kaddahmohammed52@gmail.com.
Isam AlkhouriDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
Eman AlkhalafDepartment of General Dentistry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.
Mawia KarkoutlyDepartment of Pediatric Dentistry, Damascus University, Damascus, Syrian Arab Republic.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe Syrian conflict has severely damaged health infrastructure and displaced large portions of the skilled medical workforce. This study aims to assess the readiness of the health system in Damascus Governorate for the reconstruction phase and to identify priority areas for recovery in similar post-conflict contexts.

methodsIn February 2025, we conducted an anonymous Delphi-based online survey (Cronbach’s α = 0.89) among physicians, dentists, pharmacists, and nurses working in hospitals across Damascus Governorate. Five domains were assessed: health infrastructure, medical workforce, medications and supply chains, reconstruction priorities, and context-specific lessons relevant to health emergency preparedness. Data were analyzed descriptively.

resultsA total of 1,013 participants responded (41.57%). Nearly 43.30% reported that hospitals were heavily damaged, and 70% indicated shortages in medical personnel. Essential medicines were inconsistently available, with 38.90% reporting limited access and 59.60% identifying supply-chain constraints. Additionally, 41.20% reported lack of coordination with international organizations, and 51.60% noted insufficient involvement of local healthcare workers in reconstruction planning.

conclusionRehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, restoration of supply chains, and strengthening of the medical workforce represent key reconstruction priorities in Damascus Governorate. Locally developed approaches—such as deployable field units, emphasis on primary care, and multidisciplinary coordination—may offer adaptable models for other post-conflict health systems. Continued international support remains essential to mitigate workforce losses and enhance resilience.

Indexed as

Delivery of Health CareCross-Sectional StudiesHumansPublic Health InfrastructureSurveys and QuestionnairesSyriaDamascus GovernorateHealth infrastructureHealth system readinessPost-conflict recoveryReconstruction

Identifiers

PMID41526952
PMCPMC12888566

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.