On the final day of the 24th International Scientific Research Conference organized by the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) in Aleppo, topics including the development of health cooperation with Turkey and the implementation of joint medical projects were discussed.
Under the patronage of Syrian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Marwan al-Halabi, the conference saw the participation of over 2,500 attendees from within the country and abroad, including 300 doctors.
Held under the slogan "Transformation of the Health System and Rebuilding Hope," the event featured sessions and training seminars on health services, medical education, scientific research, and digital transformation in healthcare.
Treatment and education conducted simultaneously
SAMS Board Member Dr. Aref Rifai told Anadolu Agency that the medical missions carried out in Syria focus on both patient treatment and the training of health workers.
Despite the challenges of providing healthcare in crisis zones, Rifai noted they have achieved significant successes, saying, "Our medical missions not only provide treatment services but also aim to train local doctors and enhance the capacity of the health system."
Rifai stated that the country's health system is undergoing a reform process and emphasized that international participation is making an important contribution to this process.
Cooperation with Syrian doctors in Turkey strengthens
Highlighting that doctors from Turkey played an active role in the conference's work, Rifai said, "Cooperation, especially with Syrian doctors working in Turkey, is increasingly strengthening within the framework of training programs and practical field activities."
Rifai noted that joint work with Turkey has yielded concrete results in areas such as screening and treatment of retinal diseases in premature babies, and thanked Turkey and all international partners for their contribution to the health sector.
Rifai added that this cooperation makes a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Syria's health system.
Through the medical mission involving expert doctors from Turkey, the United States, and other countries, high-level healthcare is provided to Syrian patients, while training and experience-sharing programs for local health personnel are also conducted. On the final day of the conference, announcements were also made regarding new health projects and the opening of some hospitals.
