As a concrete response to the Syrians’ request for help, thanks to the initiative of the cardinal Mario Zenari, apostolic nuncio in Syria, and with the support of the Dicastery for the Integral Human Development Service, the Open Hospitals project was conceived in 2016 and became operational in 2017.
Its objective is best expressed by the title: Open Hospitals. Opening the doors of three hospitals (two in Damascus and one in Aleppo) to the greatest number of indigent patients who could not pay for the care they need otherwise.
From the treatment of complex pathologies to that of the most banal diseases which, due to the results of war, can be as fatal as bombs. In 22 months of project activity, more than 25,000 treatments have been offered to poor patients, and the aim is to reach 50,000 within the next year.
Activities
Free and high-quality medical treatment for those who cannot afford it (diagnostics, therapies, surgery)
People involved
50,000 patients in three years
Donors
The project, sponsored by the Dicastery for the service of integral human development, is funded by:
Italian Episcopal Conference (8x1000); Papal Foundation; Agostino Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation; ROACO through the Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher; Misereor (German Episcopal Organization for Development and Cooperation); US Episcopal Conference; Caritas Spain, Vatican Gendarmerie through the St. Michael Archangel Foundation; the CHA (Catholic Health Association - USA); “Terzo Pilastro – Internazionale” foundation; “Umano Progresso” Foundation; “Cariverona” Foundation; “Mondo Unito” Foundation, Caritas Provitae Gradu Charitable Trust, Hungary government (through “Hungary Helps” plan).
In addition to these loans, the project received further donations from individuals and Italian companies and contributions collected through the 5x1000.