Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) on the Eastern Mediterranean Hanan Balkha thanked Turkey for support in the field of healthcare in Syria and expressed hope for further cooperation.
In an interview with an anadol correspondent, Balkhi commented on the current situation in Syria’s healthcare after overthrowing the Bashar Assad regime.
She said that she had a conversation with the new Minister of Health of Syria Musaba Nazal al-Ali.
According to the regional director, the steps necessary to restore the healthcare system in the country were discussed.
“There is an urgent need to reorganize the healthcare system and its return to a functional state. Then patients in Damascus, other large cities and rural areas will be able to receive adequate and timely medical care,” Balkhi noted.
.
The regional director noted that the atmosphere of optimism and hopes reigns in Syria, and also expressed confidence that positive changes will continue.
“The lifting of sanctions has opened up new opportunities for WHO members who want to support the Syrian people. Now is the time to act. We must assist in covering urgent financial needs, supporting existing healthcare systems, medical education programs and updating infrastructure,” she emphasized.
WHO employees never left Syria and well understand the needs of the local population. The organization will continue to provide support, – added Balhi. The Regional Director of WHO also expressed gratitude to Turkey for the support of the Syrian Health sector.
“I would like to thank Turkey for the solidarity and support of Syria. Without this cooperation, it would be impossible to increase the well -being of people in the region. We are looking forward to further partnerships with Turkey in projects that will bring health and a worthy life to the Syrian people,” the Balkhi said.
She also noted that WHO works together with other UN agencies seeking to strengthen the Syria healthcare system.
“These organizations are determined and strive to help all the Syrian people. We will move forward with them,” concluded the Balkhi.