Damascus, Aug. 4 (SANA) Syria aims to complete a new health insurance system for public-sector employees before the end of the year as part of broader efforts to modernize the country’s insurance sector, Finance Minister Mohammed Yisr Barnieh said.
Barnieh, who chairs the Insurance Supervisory Commission, made the remarks during a board meeting that reviewed reforms to the insurance sector, according to a statement issued by the Finance Ministry.
The board instructed a specialized committee to develop a comprehensive health insurance framework focused on expanding medical services, increasing the network of healthcare providers, digitizing operations and strengthening oversight and anti-corruption measures.
Officials also reviewed an updated 2027-2030 strategy for developing Syria’s insurance sector. The draft strategy will be circulated to insurance companies for consultation before its planned launch in the coming weeks.
The meeting also examined progress on drafting a new insurance law, revising licensing requirements for insurance companies and updating capital adequacy standards.
Barnieh said the reforms should be aligned with international standards and best practices to establish a modern legal framework capable of supporting the long-term development of Syria’s insurance market.
The board also reviewed draft statutes for the Syrian Insurance Federation and the Federation of Insurance Agents and Brokers ahead of their approval and the election of new governing boards.
In addition, members discussed qualification standards for appointing chief executives of insurance companies and plans to support the reopening of insurance company branches across Syrian provinces.
The reforms build on measures announced jointly by the finance and health ministries in December 2025 to improve health insurance services for public-sector employees during 2026.
R.D/ABD
