Saudi Health Minister Fahd bin Abdulrahman Al-Jalajel and his Syrian counterpart, Dr. Musab Al-Ali , signed a memorandum of understanding at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Riyadh. The memorandum aims to strengthen health cooperation between the two countries and support the exchange of expertise in the field of digital health. This memorandum represents a new step in the health partnership, which will positively impact the development of health systems and facilitate citizens' access to medical services.
Promoting digital health and prevention
Minister Al-Jalajel explained that the agreement aims to build a more robust healthcare system in Syria by facilitating access to health services, enhancing the efficiency of virtual care solutions, and strengthening the prevention system. This comes as part of the Kingdom's efforts to support digital transformation in the health sector and expand the utilization of its accumulated expertise in virtual medicine.
A Syrian vision for cooperation with the Kingdom
For his part, the Syrian minister expressed his pleasure at his first official visit to Riyadh, noting that previous meetings with his Saudi counterpart in Geneva had paved the way for the signing of this memorandum. He emphasized that launching the digital link with the Saudi virtual health system represents a transition from the stage of promises to the stage of practical implementation, with direct follow-up from the leadership of both countries and their commitment to enhancing healthcare services for their citizens. He added that cooperation with Saudi Arabia will contribute to raising the efficiency of the Syrian healthcare system and providing more comprehensive and transparent medical services.
Contents of the Memorandum of Understanding
The memorandum covers several key areas, including strategic health planning, health system development, public health, preventive medicine, health security, curative healthcare, emergency and disaster management, digital transformation and e-health, and health investment. It also includes the exchange of health training programs, the organization of reciprocal expert visits, and the holding of joint conferences and workshops.
The strategic dimension of cooperation
This step comes within the directives of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister and reflects the Saudi leadership's commitment to establishing the Kingdom as a leading center for virtual medicine and digital transformation. It also reflects the two countries' desire to launch a new phase of partnership and integration in healthcare, contributing to the development of human capital, supporting innovation, and enhancing health security at both the regional and international levels.
