Syrian Sovereign Fund Signs Contract to Rehabilitate 14 National Hospitals with Canadian Firm

Contract Signing and Parties

Khalil Balbi, director of Sarh Holding Company, a subsidiary of the Syrian Sovereign Fund, signed a contract with Dr. Emad al-Dhakir, representative of InterHealth Canada, for the development and rehabilitation of 14 national hospitals across Syrian governorates. The agreement was concluded in coordination with the Ministry of Health and forms part of the ministry's strategic plan for developing the health sector.

Minister of Health Musab al-Ali stated that the project carries the name "Model Hospital in Every Governorate" and will generally target the national hospital in each governorate. He noted that citizens will begin to observe gradual improvements in hospital conditions within months of works commencing.

Project Scope and Objectives

The project covers the rehabilitation of building infrastructure and the modernization of medical devices and equipment in line with the latest international standards, alongside improvements to health and hospitality services at the targeted hospitals. Implementation will proceed through six consecutive phases, beginning with planning and technical studies, followed by execution, supply, and operations, and concluding with the transfer of expertise from InterHealth Canada to participating Syrian teams.

The total implementation period is set at 24 months and encompasses both structural works and operational and equipment-related components.

Pre-Contract Groundwork

Balbi noted that the contract was preceded by a memorandum of understanding signed six months earlier, under which the company dispatched 16 engineers to conduct preliminary technical assessments and studies at the targeted hospitals across the governorates. He confirmed that the signing marks the transition to the practical implementation phase.

International Standards and Syrian Expertise

The InterHealth Canada representative affirmed that rehabilitation works will be carried out according to international standards, drawing on both local and diaspora Syrian expertise. He pointed to the existence of Syrian medical professionals abroad who have expressed a desire to return and contribute their experience to the development of the health sector.

He added that the project aims to bring hospitals up to world-class standards, which would support medical tourism in Syria and potentially attract patients from outside the country to benefit from Syrian medical services.

About InterHealth Canada

InterHealth Canada operates in the field of healthcare service development, medical facility management, and the application of quality and safety standards. The company holds more than 25 years of experience in the health sector and is headquartered in Canada.