The Current

Medical clinics in rebel held areas of Syria targeted by airstrikes

Canadian doctor Anas Al-Kassem who has worked in Syria says he's concerned Syrians are at an even greater risk of a medical catastrophe because medical clinics have been routinely targeted by airstrikes, making it unsafe for doctors and nurses to continue their work.
A man sprays water on an ambulance at a site hit by what activists said were three consecutive airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force, the last which hit this vehicle, in the rebel-controlled area of Maaret al-Numan town in Idlib province, Syria, January 12, 2016. (Reuters/Khalil Ashawi)

Last week we reported on starvation in the Syrian town of Madaya - where the local population was under siege and cut off from supplies of food, water and other necessities.  

But the conflict in Syria has also taken a huge toll on the medical services there.  

A boy carries a baby in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria, January 10, 2016. (Bassam Khabieh/Reuters)

To find out more, we reached Dr. Anas Al-Kassem, a Canadian surgeon who has volunteered his services in Syria numerous times since the conflict began. 

Dr. Anas Al-Kassem is also the Canadian Chair of the Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations. We reached him at his clinic in Simcoe, Ontario.
 

This segment was produced by The Current's Sujata Berry.