Damascus, Jan.28 (SANA) Health Minister, Musab al-Ali, discussed on Wednesday with a delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) means of developing bilateral cooperation in the health sector and supporting the Syrian medical system.
During the meeting held at the Ministry building in Damascus, minister al-Ali reviewed the extent of the structural and service damage inflicted on the health sector by the crimes of the deposed regime, which has impacted the stability of citizens and the return of displaced persons.
He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to providing comprehensive medical care and enhancing citizens’ trust in health institutions.
Health Sector Priorities and Digital Transformation
The Minister identified a number of priority areas, including mental health, combating addiction, maternal and child health, cancer and vaccinations. He stressed the need to activate primary healthcare centers, strengthen the referral system, and implement digital transformation and automation among hospitals.
He affirmed that current efforts are focused on ensuring the readiness of buildings, providing medicines and medical equipment, financing the health system, ensuring drug availability and enhancing emergency services.
Transitioning from Aid to Investment
Minister of Health also noted that the Ministry has prepared a list of needs to provide to the Japanese side, stressing the importance of building a sustainable and long-term cooperative relationship to advance the health sector.
Japanese Readiness to Support Technical Capabilities
For his part, Director of the Middle East Division at JICA, Shotaro Ono, expressed his country’s readiness to support Syria by prioritizing needs and building the capacities of medical and healthcare personnel.
He indicated the possibility of supplying health facilities with specialized medical equipment such as CT scanners and mammogram machines, with cooperation beginning with technical and training initiatives.
MZN
