Syrian health workers trained in Turkish healthcare

Doctors and nurses forced to leave war-torn Syria are receiving training in Turkey's healthcare system under a project aimed at serving the displaced compatriots.

Under the program, organized by Turkey's Ministry of Health and the European Union, Syrian health workers will undergo six weeks of training at migrant health education centers which are due to be established in seven cities with large Syrian populations, and then serve at migrant health centers.

The public health director of southern Hatay province told reporters on Tuesday that 20 doctors and nurses had already received theoretical and practical training at an education center that opened in January.

Bayram Kerkez highlighted that 26 migrant health centers are planned for Hatay alone in the 36-month project.

"Doctors and other Syrian citizens are both pleased with the project. We think that the health system for Syrians will be more comfortable and overall crowds at hospitals would decrease as Syrian patients begin to receive health services at these centers," he said.

The director of Hatay public health added that while Turkish doctors would have responsibility over the facilities, services would be provided by Syrian health workers who had been trained in patient examination, children's vaccinations, pregnancy follow-ups and prescription writing.

The cost of the premises, equipment, the salaries of those employed at the centers, and medical and other fixtures will be covered by the European Union, according to Kerkez.

Dr. Enabal Yunus, who was forced to leave his home in Syria's central Hama province two years ago, is among those who have completed training.

"This project is a great opportunity for me to continue to work and serve our fellow countrymen," he said. "We are very content with Turkey."