Syria and Italy Discuss Strengthening Health Cooperation and Rehabilitation of Damaged Hospitals

The Syrian Minister of Health, Musab Al-Ali, received an official delegation from Italy today, headed by Carlo Battori, the Minister Plenipotentiary and Central Director of Cooperation at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to discuss the prospects of health cooperation between the two countries during a meeting held at the ministry building in Damascus.

The Minister Al-Ali confirmed during the meeting that the health sector in Syria is suffering from severe damage due to the war, noting that many hospitals have been completely or partially destroyed, while medical devices have exceeded their operational lifespan, which necessitates the rehabilitation of health infrastructure and equipping it with modern facilities that align with digital transformation and technological development.

The Minister invited the Italian delegation to visit Syrian hospitals on-site to accurately assess their needs, emphasizing the clear shortage of ambulances, anesthesia machines, and some specialized medications, which requires urgent support to meet basic needs.

Al-Ali also pointed out the promising investment opportunities in Syria, especially in the field of building modern hospitals targeting medical tourism, in addition to investing in pharmaceutical industries, which enhances self-sufficiency and reduces the burden of imports.

For its part, the Italian delegation confirmed that support will not be limited to the current phase but will include long-term plans to rehabilitate health facilities, supply hospitals with medications and equipment, as well as sending specialized medical delegations to exchange expertise and develop Syrian staff.

The meeting was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Syria, Stefano Ravagnan, Assistant Minister of Health Hussein Al-Khatib, Director of Planning and International Cooperation Zahir Al-Qar'at, and several directors and officials in the ministry, as part of efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and expand partnership in the health sector.