Damascus, Jan. 12 (SANA) Syria has signed a major agreement with global cancer research leader Hematogenix to create a cutting-edge cancer research and diagnostic center. The agreement, finalized on Sunday at the Ministry of Health in Damascus, aims to enhance Syria’s cancer care over the next five years.
The project will upgrade existing facilities, develop advanced diagnostic labs, and establish a fully autonomous reference lab for oncology and hematology. It will also focus on clinical research, staff training, and implementing international quality standards.
Health Minister Musab al-Ali confirmed the project will begin shortly, with Hematogenix securing licenses and approvals while the Ministry provides land for the center.
The first phase involves constructing a cancer research facility, expected to open within a year, alongside staff training to ensure immediate operation. The center will offer advanced diagnostic services using the latest technology.
Minister al-Ali emphasized the center’s uniqueness in the Middle East, with its specialized technologies aimed at accelerating diagnoses and supporting the shift from chemotherapy to immunotherapy.
Dr. Haitham al-Masri, CEO of Hematogenix, noted the center will also serve as a regional hub, providing modern treatments like immunotherapy and improving diagnostic quality. It will offer lower-cost services for Syrian patients and later expand to serve the region.
Dr. Mohammad Iyad al-Shatti, a pathologist, hailed the project as a vital step for Syria’s medical community and national recovery, helping restore the expertise lost in recent years.
M.S
