Damascus, SANA- Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Dr. Marwan Halabi, has met with Amanya Michael Ebye, Director of the UNRWA Affairs in Syria, to discuss future cooperation in providing medical services to Palestinian refugees at university hospitals and preparations for signing a joint cooperation agreement in this regard.
During the meeting, held Tuesday at the ministry, Minister Halabi emphasized that the upcoming phase marks the beginning of collaboration at the level of university hospitals, ensuring medical services for those covered by the UNRWA, as well as cooperation on other academic matters through specialized faculties. He expressed the ministry’s readiness to work together in the field of medical education.
The minister reiterated that Palestinian refugees are an integral part of Syrian society and are treated as Syrian citizens, receiving high-quality services. He emphasized that the relationship with international organizations is complementary, built on teamwork and shared goals.
For his part, Ebye expressed the UNRWA’s willingness to collaborate in offering medical programs and services, noting that the organization continuously provides primary healthcare to more than 438,000 Palestinian refugees through 24 medical centers in its areas of operation in Syria.
Ebye further explained that the UNRWA facilitates referrals to both private and public hospitals to ensure refugees receive necessary medical care.
He highlighted the organization’s interest in partnering with university hospitals under the Ministry of Higher Education to integrate services, allowing hospitals to benefit from treatment costs covered by UNRWA. This cooperation would help alleviate financial burdens on these hospitals through a memorandum of understanding between the ministry and the organization.
Ruaa al-Jazaeri