Damascus, April 7 (SANA) – Syria’s Ministry of Health affirmed that it is continuing efforts to develop a fair and sustainable national healthcare strategy covering all governorates, in line with the ministry’s approach “from prevention to care,” marking World Health Day on April 7.
Dr. Mohammad al-Salem, Director of Primary Healthcare at the Ministry of Health, said the number of operational health centers has reached 1,320 out of 1,740, compared with only 960 previously. He attributed the closure of some facilities to shortages of medical personnel, damage to infrastructure caused by the crimes of the deposed regime, and difficulties accessing certain areas.
Al-Salem explained that the ministry is working to rehabilitate damaged facilities, strengthen the health workforce, and expand services provided through primary healthcare centers in order to improve public trust in the national healthcare system.
Services offered at these centers include maternal and child healthcare, reproductive health, dental care, mental health and psychosocial support, vaccination programs, chronic disease management, elderly care, and family nutrition programs, alongside broader community health awareness initiatives.
Despite progress, the official noted that the health sector still faces challenges such as migration of medical personnel, infrastructure damage, and difficulties securing essential supplies. Pilot models for integrated healthcare services have begun in some regions and are expected to expand gradually.
Al-Salem stressed the importance of preventive health behaviors and community engagement, pointing to efforts to strengthen the “community health” program by involving citizens more actively in health planning.
The ministry also launched two projects in February in cooperation with the European Union, the World Health Organization, and Italy’s UPP organization to improve primary healthcare services. One project focuses on rehabilitating 22 health centers in Aleppo countryside, while the other aims to enhance leadership and management in primary healthcare and integrate mental health services into the family health model.
Kh.A
