During an official meeting at the headquarters of the Saudi Ministry of Health in Riyadh, Health Minister Musab al-Ali and his Saudi counterpart Fahd bin Abdurahman al-Jalajel signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for cooperation in the health sector.
The memorandum aims to strengthen the partnership between the two countries in areas such as medical training, scientific exchange, and the development of digital health services, as well as supporting healthcare projects and expanding the use of telemedicine technologies.
Virtual Consultation via Telemedicine
The ministers virtually participated in observing the first surgical operation conducted in one of the hospitals in Damascus, where a medical consultation was sought from a specialized team at the Saudi Ministry of Health via visual communication technologies. This practical step reflects the technical cooperation applications between the two sides.
This initiative represents an advanced model of Arab medical cooperation, contributing to raising the level of health services and exchange of expertise, which benefits patients and enhances the quality of medical care in both countries.
Pharmaceutical Cooperation with the Food and Drug Authority
During the visit, Ali visited the headquarters of the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (FDA), where he met with the CEO of the authority, Dr. Hisham bin Saad al-Jadheei, to discuss prospects for joint cooperation in pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.
The meeting reviewed the regulatory and oversight experiences adopted by the authority to ensure the safety and quality of food and pharmaceutical products, as well as discussing ways to exchange expertise and enhance coordination on health issues of mutual interest.
Ali also conducted a field tour of the FDA’s departments, during which he learned about the activities and services it provides, including inspection mechanisms, laboratory testing, electronic tracking systems for products, and the latest approved practices to ensure food and drug safety.
Ali praised the authority’s pioneering role in developing regulatory systems and raising quality standards at both regional and international levels, emphasizing the importance of exchanging expertise between both sides to contribute to the development of the health and pharmaceutical sectors.
For his part, Dr. Jadheei welcomed the visit, expressing the FDA’s readiness to enhance cooperation with the Syrian side in a manner that serves public health protection and supports efforts to develop the health system in both countries.
Signing the MoU between Syria and Saudi Arabia marks a significant step towards building sustainable health cooperation. This approach reflects both countries’ commitment to developing medical services and exchanging expertise in vital areas, while also opening new horizons for employing modern technologies to improve healthcare quality and enhance Arab integration.
