Damascus, Sept. 8 (SANA) Healthcare experts and academics gathered in Damascus on Tuesday for an international conference focused on rebuilding Syria’s healthcare workforce, reforming medical education and expanding the use of digital technologies in the health sector.
The conference, held at Damascus University, is organized by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research in cooperation with Atlantic Humanitarian Relief (AHR).
Discussions cover rebuilding the healthcare workforce and medical education, hospital operations under pressure, innovation and digital health. The program is set to conclude with a roundtable on healthcare priorities, institutional commitments, sustainable support for non-governmental organizations and partnerships for the coming year.
Shift toward competency-based medical education
Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Marwan al-Halabi said the ministry aims to shift medical education away from a curriculum- and time-based model toward one centered on competency, responsibility and trust.
He said the transition requires redesigning medical education at every stage, from undergraduate studies and clinical training to residency, specialization and continuing medical education.
Damascus University Rector Dr. Mustafa Sa’im al-Dahr said the conference examines how modern technologies can be integrated into scientific research and medical training while highlighting the broader role universities play in healthcare.
He said Damascus University’s contribution extends beyond academic programs and advanced laboratories to its university hospitals, which provide thousands of medical and diagnostic services to patients.
Setting priorities for healthcare development
AHR Director Humam Akbik said the conference offers a platform to examine scientific innovation alongside challenges facing the healthcare sector and develop a vision for improving the health system.
He said recommendations emerging from the conference are expected to help define priorities and approaches for the sector’s future development.
FJ/ABD
