Damascus, SANA-Minister of Health Dr. Musab al-Ali affirmed that the ministry’s work is based on the principle of fairness in providing health services across all governorates, with a current focus on Sweida, which is facing complex security conditions.
In an interview with Syrian Al-Ikhbariya TV, Minister al-Ali said that the ministry established an emergency operations room at the onset of events in Sweida and Daraa to ensure health services and respond to emergencies. This was done in cooperation with relevant authorities and humanitarian organizations.
He noted that the ministry faced field difficulties in deploying medical teams and aid to certain areas. The government team was unable to enter Sweida city due to security warnings, but priority was given to delivering aid regardless of the entity handling the delivery.
Al-Ali stated that the security situation hindered the ministry’s full plan for Sweida, although hospitals in the governorate have been operating since day one and continue to receive supplies despite the challenges. There is ongoing coordination with the Sweida Health Directorate to meet urgent needs.
The health minister added that today the ministry sent a convoy of medical and food aid as part of a government delegation that included ministers of Social Affairs, Emergency Management, and representatives from Foreign Affairs, Communications, and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. However, security conditions prevented the delegation from entering, while the Red Crescent was allowed to deliver medicines, supplies, and food aid.
He concluded: “We do not differentiate between citizens. The ministry works to deliver support to each governorate based on need and field conditions, and we operate with high flexibility in line with developments, whether through short-term plans or the approved emergency plan.”
Governor of Sweida, Dr. Mustafa al-Bakkour, affirmed that the entry of internal security forces into the governorate came after coordination and agreement, following clashes in the area.
He explained that the authorities have started to meet citizens’ basic humanitarian needs through convoys carrying medical and relief supplies. He emphasized that government efforts are aimed at stabilizing the governorate despite difficulties hindering the arrival of aid delegations
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The governor also pointed out that efforts are ongoing to ensure the entry of the government delegation along with the aid convoys. He confirmed that the security situation remains unstable, obstructing the entry of government institutions and the restoration of essential services like hospitals, electricity, and water.
Dr. al-Bakkour said about the general situation in the governorate: “The damage caused by the battles is extensive, and the governorate needs broad governmental support for reconstruction and restoration.” He considered that national reconciliation is the optimal path to achieving stability and opening a new chapter through dialogue and reconciliation that includes spiritual leaders, local figures, tribal sheikhs, and religious leaders.
MHD Ibrahim
