The Ministry of Health and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to rehabilitate the infrastructure and operational capacity of several public hospitals across Syria. The project is funded by a €35 million grant from the German government through the German Development Bank (KfW).
The agreement forms a key pillar of the Ministry of Health’s strategic plan restoring damaged health infrastructure. It aims to improve access to quality healthcare services at the provincial level, ease pressure on central hospitals, and reduce travel burdens and associated costs for citizens.
Project Scope and Funding Allocation
Under the agreement, €30 million will be allocated for the comprehensive rehabilitation of five major hospitals: Jisr al-Shughour Hospital in Idlib, Halfaya Hospital in Hama, Taldou Hospital in Homs, Albukamal National Hospital in Deir Ezzor, and the outpatient clinics and pediatric department at Daraa National Hospital. The remaining €5 million will be allocated to rehabilitate 25 dispensaries and medical centers distributed across most Syrian governorates.
Health Minister Dr. Musab al-Ali said the agreement will facilitate citizens’ access to healthcare services within their local areas. He confirmed that joint engineering teams from UNDP and the Ministry have already conducted field visits to the targeted facilities.
“Tender documents and terms of reference are currently being prepared to bid the projects to specialized companies, with the aim of achieving high-quality implementation in the shortest possible time,” Ali said.
UNDP Resident Representative in Syria Muhammad Madwi highlighted the vital role these hospitals and medical centers play in serving local communities and returnees after years of hardship and displacement.
“The work requires time to ensure quality, continuity, and sustainability,” Madwi said, expressing hope that the projects will soon deliver advanced and reliable health services across Syria.
Broad Impact Across Governorates
Daraa Governor Anwar al-Zoubi said the rehabilitation of the pediatric hospital and outpatient clinics at Daraa National Hospital is expected to serve approximately 200,000 people, meeting the governorate’s healthcare needs and supporting sustainable development in the sector.
Deir Ezzor Governor Ghassan Ahmad underscored the importance of restoring Albukamal National Hospital, describing it as a critical service hub for over 330,000 residents in the city and surrounding areas. He noted rehabilitation work is expected to take over two years.
Deputy Governor of Hama Muhammad Taama confirmed Hama will benefit from the rehabilitation of the 60-bed Halfaya Hospital and two health centers. He said the hospital serves over 165,000 residents in northern rural Hama and that its restoration will significantly reduce pressure on hospitals within Hama city.
Head of the Idlib Health Directorate, Dr. Samir Araby, emphasized the importance of rehabilitating Jisr al-Shughour Hospital, which serves over 800,000 people. He described it as one of the oldest hospitals in Idlib governorate and in urgent need of comprehensive rehabilitation.
UNDP is the United Nations’ leading global development organization, operating in approximately 170 countries and territories to eradicate poverty, reduce inequality, and build resilience. Its work focuses on governance, environmental sustainability, gender equality, and strengthening national institutions to support long-term development.
