Damascus, Sept. 2 (SANA) Syria’s Health Ministry inaugurated on Wednesday a rehabilitated Mental Health Directorate in Damascus as part of efforts to expand mental health services and strengthen healthcare infrastructure across the country.
The facility was opened in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates under the Quality Advanced Learning Project, implemented by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) with support from the European Union.
Health Minister Musab al-Ali said the directorate was established in response to the profound psychological challenges resulting from crimes committed by the deposed regime.
Al-Ali identified addiction as one of the most pressing challenges facing the health sector, saying the establishment of the National Council for Mental Health and Addiction reflected the broader changes underway in state institutions.
He also praised cooperation with the European Union, saying Damascus was seeking to expand the partnership.
“We are proud of our partnership with the European Union and are always seeking to strengthen it,” al-Ali said, adding that EU support had contributed to the ministry’s programs, health projects and primary healthcare services across Syria.
EU pledges continued support
Henrike Trautmann, Director for the Middle East at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, said mental health remained a priority.
She said the EU would continue working with the Syrian Health Ministry to identify areas where assistance was needed, including knowledge and expertise transfer, capacity-building and support for healthcare institutions and infrastructure.
More than 100 nurses trained
SAMS Country Director Baraa al-Samoudi said the Quality Advanced Learning Project was providing direct support to the Health Ministry by improving infrastructure and strengthening the skills of healthcare workers.
More than 100 nurses have received mental health training through the project, al-Samoudi said.
SAMS, the EU and the Health Ministry are also working to develop academic and professional training programs at Damascus, Aleppo and al-Furat universities.
Al-Samoudi said the next phase would include support for rehabilitating infrastructure at several mental health centers across Syria.
N.J/ABD
