Health Care Law at Syria
Primary Health Care in Syria - UOSSM USA Syria's healthcare system has faced significant challenges due to over a decade of conflict, economic sanctions, and infrastructure degradation. Despite these hardships, Syria continues to maintain a legal framework for health services, primarily overseen by the Ministry of Health. (Syria's healthcare system on life support after 13 years of war and western sanctions | The National)
🏛️ Legal Framework
Law No. 49 of 2004 – Public Health Act
This legislation addresses various aspects of public health, including:
Waste Management: Regulates the disposal of industrial, infectious, and toxic waste. (Law No. 49 on Public Health | AMP EID)
Medical Waste: Sets guidelines for the treatment and disposal of medical waste. (Law No. 49 on Public Health | AMP EID)
Liabilities: Defines the responsibilities of waste producers and outlines penalties for non-compliance. (Law No. 49 on Public Health | AMP EID)
The law is enforced under the supervision of administrative units within Syria. (Law No. 49 on Public Health | AMP EID)
Law No. 20 of 2022
This law has been used to suppress freedom of opinion and expression, leading to arbitrary arrests and torture. While not directly related to healthcare, it has implications for medical professionals and human rights. (Law No. 20 of 2022 Promulgated by the Syrian Regime Further Perpetuates the Oppression of Freedom of Opinion and Expression, and Has Been Used as Grounds for Dozens of Cases of Arbitrary Arrest and Torture | Syrian Network for Human Rights)
🏥 Healthcare System Overview
Infrastructure Challenges
The Syrian healthcare infrastructure has suffered extensive damage: (Syrian health sector infrastructure suffered significant damage as a result of the war | Al Mayadeen English)
Hospital Functionality: Only about 50% of hospitals are fully operational. (Syria's healthcare system on life support after 13 years of war and western sanctions | The National)
Health Units: Approximately 5.9% have been completely destroyed, and 19.7% partially damaged. (Syrian health sector infrastructure suffered significant damage as a result of the war | Al Mayadeen English)
Medical Personnel: An estimated 15,000 doctors have fled the country, significantly impacting healthcare delivery. (Syria's Health Crisis Spirals As Doctors Flee)
Recent Developments
Fee Increases: In June 2024, the Ministry of Health raised medical consultation fees by up to 600%, making healthcare less accessible to the general population. (Syrian Health Ministry raises medical examination fees by 600% - Enab Baladi)
⚖️ Human Rights and Medical Neutrality
The World Medical Association has condemned attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel in Syria, emphasizing the need for protection under international law. These attacks have resulted in numerous casualties among civilians and medical staff. (WMA Resolution on the Protection of Health Care Facilities and Personnel in Syria – WMA – The World Medical Association)
🧑⚕️ Ministry of Health Leadership
As of March 2025, Musaab Nazzal al-Ali serves as Syria's Minister of Health. His administration focuses on rebuilding healthcare infrastructure, providing essential medical supplies, and restoring public trust in health services. Efforts include collaborating with Syrian expatriates and international medical organizations. (Musaab Nazzal al-Ali)
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