Health Minister Calls for Rehabilitation of Health Sector devastated by Terrorists
GENEVA,(ST)_ Minister of Health Dr. Saad al-Nayef on Friday discussed with WHO ‘s Director Dr. Margaret Chan efforts to meet citizens health services under the crisis in Syria.
The minister reviewed damages inflected on the health sector and its employees as a result of continued terrorist groups attacks .
He invited Dr. Chan to visit Syria to be acquainted with health services provided by hospitals, and health centers , despite pressures, pointing out that “the health sector is exposed to unprecedented systematic misinformation campaign waged by countries hostile to Syria,” to achieve political objectives .
He noted the ministry ‘s focus on the participatory approach with the private sector to meet social needs, noting the existence of 62 NGO that support public sides involved in humanitarian and relief activities and the delivery of health services to those in need, especially the affected areas and temporary residence centers.
He called on international health organizations for more “cooperation and material, technical and medical support for the health sector in Syria and to contribute to the rehabilitation of affected health facilities ” under the US and European economic and banking embargo on Syria, which has direct impact on the Syrian citizens .
For her part, Dr Chan, stressed WHO ‘s continued support for the Syrian government to meet the health needs in all areas, expressing sympathy with the Syrian people under the current crisis.
Chan pointed out that it touched up closely during an earlier visit to Syria, “achievements of the health sector,” stressing the organization’s full commitment to deliver all kinds of aid and medical shipments to Syria through government crossings , in collaboration with government sides concerned.
She commended the participatory approach carried out by the Ministry , with non-governmental organizations and local health associations in Syria to meet health needs in all areas.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Faisal al-Hamwi Syria ‘s Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva.
The meeting came on the sidelines of the 66th session of the World Health Assembly, which will continue until May 28 with the participation of 194 countries.
T. Fateh