Damascus, Dec. 15 (SANA) The Ministry of Health, in cooperation with the Planning and Statistics Authority, launched Syria’s National Health Strategic Plan for 2026–2028 on Monday during a ceremony held at the National Library in Damascus, under the patronage of the General Secretariat of the Presidency.
During a panel discussion on the strategy’s main pillars, senior officials at the Ministry of Health said efforts will focus on coordinating the work of government institutions, international partners and non-governmental organizations to ensure effective rebuilding of the health system under the ministry’s leadership.
They said defining national priorities for early recovery establishes a shared framework for investment, coordination and accountability, and supports a gradual transition toward a unified, equitable and sustainable health system aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, universal health coverage and system resilience.
The strategy includes restoring and expanding essential health infrastructure, motivating the health workforce, strengthening health security and ensuring integration across all levels of care. Officials said the plan relies on evidence-based planning, sustainable financing and digital transformation to enhance efficiency, accountability and quality of care for all citizens without geographic, social or economic discrimination.
The plan also aims to rehabilitate health facilities based on integrated mapping of infrastructure and personnel reflecting priority needs, strengthen accountability-based management of financial and human resources, and ensure integrated and equitable health services. It emphasizes primary health care, governance, partnerships with related sectors, and fair access to medicines and medical supplies through local production, regulatory oversight and reliable supply chains.
Ali Kaddah, Assistant Secretary-General of the Presidency for Cabinet Affairs, said the launch of the strategy is the result of joint efforts led by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Planning Authority and under the patronage of the Presidency’s General Secretariat.
In a statement to SANA, Health Minister Dr. Musab al-Ali said the strategy places people first and aims to provide fair and transparent medical services to all citizens. He noted that the health sector faces accumulated challenges due to years of limited resources and disrupted supply chains, adding that organization and planning are the real entry points to recovery.
Al-Ali described the strategy as a realistic roadmap focused on continuity of health services, rehabilitation of facilities and ensuring equitable access, with priority given to securing medicines and medical supplies as a core pillar of health security. He said this will be pursued by supporting pharmaceutical production, improving procurement and distribution systems, and ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines at fair prices.
The minister also highlighted the importance of Syrian health professionals abroad as a national knowledge asset, saying the ministry seeks to establish structured partnerships with them in expertise transfer, training and consultation. Cooperation with international and national organizations, he added, will remain a key element of implementation within a clear framework.
Planning and Statistics Authority head, Anas Salim said health is not merely a service sector but a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and a prerequisite for building a resilient society capable of confronting challenges.
The launch ceremony was attended by several ministers, the governor of Damascus, ambassadors, diplomatic representatives, and representatives of United Nations agencies and local and international organizations.
