Kobani’s Hospitals Struggle Under Ongoing Siege, Medical Supplies Critically Low

Kurdistan 11:38 AM - 2026-03-12

Kobani's hospitals are under seige.

Since 20 January, the city of Kobani has been under a strict siege, worsening the health crisis in its hospitals due to severe shortages of medicines and medical equipment.

Despite a 29 January agreement between the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and the Syrian Interim Government, the siege has persisted. Ahmed Mahmoud, co-chair of Kobani’s health authority, described the situation to Hawar News Agency, noting that the city has been under siege for fifty days.

“Since 20 January, only limited quantities of medicine from a few humanitarian organisations have reached the city, and these have been far from sufficient,” Mahmoud said. He added that the displacement of residents from villages surrounding Kobani has increased pressure on hospitals, with Kobani Hospital alone receiving around 800 patients daily. Other health centres in Jalbali, Karak, Sarrin, and Qadri have been rendered inoperative due to looting and attacks by factions associated with the Syrian Interim Government.

Medical Equipment and Supplies in Crisis

Mahmoud explained that essential medications remain scarce. The diabetes treatment centre is out of service, and supplies for heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are extremely limited. The only stock of leishmaniasis medication at Mishtanour Hospital is nearly depleted due to rising cases.

Power outages since the start of the siege have forced hospitals to rely on generators 24 hours a day, causing many medical devices and radiology machines to fail. Of four dialysis machines, only one remains operational.

Children’s Vaccines Running Low

Mahmoud warned that stocks of children’s vaccines are rapidly diminishing. He urged the Syrian Interim Government to lift the siege to allow medicines to enter the city, noting that vaccines supplied by the World Health Organization have not reached Kobani as required.

Laboratory medications are also limited, with hospitals running out of essential reagents and anaesthetics needed for surgeries. Mahmoud cautioned that continued shortages could force hospitals to halt operations entirely.

Call to Lift the Siege

Mahmoud stressed that while the Syrian Interim Government denies imposing a siege, the reality of blocked supplies and restricted movement constitutes one. He warned: “If the situation continues, Kobani will face a humanitarian catastrophe. We appeal to human rights organisations and relevant authorities to pressure the Syrian Interim Government to open the roads and allow medications to reach the city immediately.”