Damascus: Syrian Health Minister Musab Al-Ali discussed on Tuesday with a delegation from the European Parliament, headed by Deputy Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs Hanna Jalloul, ways to enhance cooperation in the health sector and mechanisms to support it.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, the meeting focused on reviewing the current situation of Syria’s health sector. The discussions identified urgent priorities and needs, along with strategies to ensure the delivery of medical services to hard-to-reach areas.
Minister Al-Ali highlighted the dire state of the country’s health facilities, revealing that about 40 percent of health centers have been completely destroyed, and 60 percent suffer from significant structural damage. He also mentioned a critical shortage of essential medicines and the migration of over 35 percent of highly qualified medical personnel.
Al-Ali further explained that the ministry is prioritizing governance and aims to unify all health services under a national framework. Committees have been established to update the hospital regulation law, which has remained unchanged since 1953.
In a move to enhance healthcare infrastructure, the minister noted that 17 new hospitals have been put into service, 53 new departments have been added to existing hospitals, and 300 previously out-of-service health centers have been reopened. These efforts are supported by training and rehabilitation programs for medical staff.