Protests in Daraa Over Dismissal of 700 Health Directorate Employees

ARK News.. In response to a decision by the Ministry of Health to terminate hundreds of employees from the Health Directorate, Daraa witnessed a significant protest today, Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Local sources reported that the Ministry of Health in the Syrian interim government announced the dismissal of 700 employees as part of a restructuring plan aimed at downsizing institutions and eliminating non-effective personnel.

The employees were informed of their dismissal through phone calls and WhatsApp messages. The ministry decided to reduce the staff of Deraa’s Health Directorate from 1,781 to 900 employees.

Employee Reaction

The dismissed employees strongly opposed the decision, describing it as unjust, particularly since many had worked under challenging conditions for a monthly salary equivalent to just $20. They demanded reinstatement, even if they were excluded from the proposed 400% salary increase.

One protester said, “We are active contributors to the health sector, and dismissing us without consideration for our efforts is unacceptable. The government should reconsider its decision.”

Concerns of Previously Dismissed Staff

Meanwhile, employees previously terminated by the former regime criticized the Health Directorate for not recalling them to their positions, despite their belief that they have a greater right to return to hospitals than newly hired staff.

One of the former employees remarked, “We have the qualifications and experience, yet we are being overlooked. The restructuring process should include those unjustly dismissed in the past.”

The protest highlights growing dissatisfaction with the interim government's handling of public sector reforms, particularly in light of the economic hardship faced by citizens and the critical role of healthcare services in post-conflict Syria.

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