Syria strengthens healthcare services, expands international partnerships in 2025

Damascus, Jan. 5 (SANA) In 2025, Syria’s Ministry of Health made significant strides in rehabilitating its healthcare system, restoring damaged facilities, and implementing a comprehensive national health strategy. The ministry also unveiled a strategic plan for 2026–2028 aimed at addressing the long-term effects of the war caused by the deposed regime on the country’s health sector.

Healthcare System Overhaul

According to the Health Ministry, efforts focused on strengthening primary healthcare services, improving management systems, and activating the national health security network to ensure more flexible and responsive medical care. Policies were introduced to curb the rise in thalassemia cases, and a regional health coordination initiative was launched with Turkey and Jordan, supported by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation with $40 million in funding.

The ministry also partnered with other government bodies on a $25 million national Pandemic Fund and signed a National Charter for Universal Health Coverage to align Syria’s health policies with international standards.

International Cooperation and Agreements

Syria expanded its international health partnerships, signing 16 agreements in 2025 and preparing 26 more. Collaborations included the International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Qatar Charity, and bilateral partnerships with Jordan, Sudan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Turkey.

Medical Campaigns and Services

Seventeen specialized medical campaigns reached thousands across Syria, performing over 8,400 surgeries and providing more than 21,800 consultations. Key statistics from 2025 include:

• Outpatient visits: 1.6 million

• Emergency visits: 2.3 million

• Chemotherapy sessions: 30,414

• Dialysis sessions: 216,495

Health Workforce and Education

The ministry renovated the Directorate of Health Professions and nursing schools in several provinces, and resumed operations at Idleb Nursing School after 13 years. More than 4,300 health professionals completed over 80 training programs, while updated curricula laid the foundation for a five-year nursing strategy.

Vaccination and Nutrition

Routine vaccination services reached over 6.7 million children and 138,000 women of reproductive age. Nutrition monitoring covered nearly 588,000 children, alongside the rollout of the SMART+ survey and the launch of a multisectoral national nutrition strategy.

Cancer Care Expansion

The national cancer registry recorded 15,861 cases last year. New initiatives included pediatric oncology units in Damascus, adult cancer treatment in Daraa, and a radiotherapy accelerator installed in Hama. Collaboration with international organizations ensured a consistent supply of chemotherapy drugs.

Public and Private Hospitals

The number of functional public hospitals rose to 87, with six currently under rehabilitation and 46 new departments opened. Oversight of private hospitals led to 89 new or amended licenses. Mental health services reached over 305,000 patients, with new units opened in Homs, Deir Ezzor, and Latakia, alongside targeted campaigns addressing exam anxiety and addiction.

Despite ongoing challenges, including limited funding and damaged infrastructure, the Ministry of Health aims to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to diagnostics, treatment, and specialized care in 2026.