Syrian medicine

A long story told short: don't fall sick in Syria. For a variety of reasons. The WhySoSyria blog already gives a glimpse into the hospital system, although I have to say it does not necessarily show the full picture.

Going to a saydliyah (pharmacy) in Syria involves some courage, at least if you ask any locals here. Simply because you have to know the general rule: Syrian medicine tends to be as inefficient as coloured pills without any active components. Regardless of whether you are buying stuff produced under license of international companies or 'genuine' Syrian medicine. I would consider taking Syrian medicine as part of a healing process a very risky venture.

Having tried several times, I can confirm this is true. With two exceptions: there is one medicine against hay fever which is pretty good end efficient, and creams/balms produced locally appear to be rather fine as well. However all the others I have tried were useless, yet very cheap (usually between 35 and 100 SYP). But that will not help, will it?

If you want to bring it down to a simple suggestion: when you are sick in Syria, ask for international original medicine. It will be imported from Lebanon and tends to help. The price will be similar than in western countries though.