The Ministry of Health signed a five-year cooperation agreement with the American global cancer research company Hematogenix to strengthen Syria’s capacity in cancer diagnosis, research, and treatment. The agreement was signed at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus as part of broader efforts to modernize healthcare services and improve patient outcomes.
The partnership focuses on upgrading the national cancer center’s capabilities through advanced laboratory diagnostics, the application of international quality systems, and the development of specialized medical and technical staff. It also includes clinical research programs in oncology and hematology, alongside a feasibility study for establishing a fully autonomous reference laboratory dedicated to advanced cancer analyses.
First-of-Its-Kind Center in the Region
Health Minister Dr. Musab al-Ali confirmed the agreement will take effect within days and that construction of the center is expected to be completed within one year. Parallel training programs will ensure qualified personnel are ready to begin work immediately upon its opening.
Dr. Ali explained that the center will be the first of its kind in the Middle East in terms of specialization and technology. It is expected to significantly improve diagnostic accuracy and speed, while supporting a gradual shift from conventional chemotherapy toward immunotherapy, one of the most advanced cancer treatment approaches recognized globally.
Toward a Regional Reference Hub
Hematogenix Chairman and Founder Dr. Haitham al-Masri said the agreement lays the foundation for Syria’s first comprehensive cancer diagnosis and research center, designed to serve as a regional reference point. He noted that initial phase will focus on expanding access to modern treatments, particularly immunotherapies, while raising diagnostic and treatment standards.
Masri added that the project will help make advanced technologies available to Syrian patients at lower costs and, in later stages, extend services to neighboring countries, reinforcing Syria’s role as a regional hub in oncology research and diagnostics.
Rebuilding Expertise and Reducing Patient Burdens
Lead pathology specialist Dr. Muhammad Eyad al-Shatti emphasized that cancer diagnosis and treatment depend on complex, high-cost technologies and continuous scientific work. He described the establishment of a center staffed by specialized Syrian professionals as a major humanitarian and national achievement, contributing to the return of medical expertise that had left the country in recent years.
For patients, the initiative carries both medical and financial significance. Ibrahim al-Khamis, a 54-year-old cancer patient receiving chemotherapy at Bairouni Hospital, said access to treatment has become increasingly difficult and costly in recent years. He welcomed the news, expressing hope that cooperation with international research institutions would ease patients’ suffering and reduce the costs of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Hematogenix is recognized globally for its advanced diagnostic technologies and high-sensitivity testing, drawing on the expertise of leading pathology specialists. Its partnership with the Syrian Ministry of Health marks a pivotal step toward improving cancer care, advancing research, and restoring confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
