Syria Ministry of Health Expands Psychological Support for Cancer Patients
For many women in Syria, the physical pain of a breast cancer diagnosis is compounded by significant psychological distress that persists throughout the duration of their treatment. In observance of World Mental Health Day, marked on October 10, the Syrian Ministry of Health is highlighting the integration of psychological care as a fundamental pillar of its national cancer treatment strategy.
Survivors such as Hanaa Zaza attest that emotional and social support are vital components of recovery. Reflecting on her own journey, Zaza emphasizes that the solidarity provided by her family and community acted as a crucial catalyst in overcoming the difficulties associated with chemotherapy. She advocates for the formal integration of specialized psychological support into medical protocols, ensuring that no woman faces the rigors of treatment in isolation.
To address this, the Ministry of Health is working to institutionalize mental health services through its Department of Mental Health. Wael Al-Ras, Director of the Department, stated that the Ministry is embedding mental health services into its basic health package as part of its strategic plan for 2026–2028. These services currently include initial psychological support and psychoeducation provided at primary healthcare and early detection centers, alongside psychological consultations within hospitals.
The Ministry is now moving toward a comprehensive support pathway for cancer patients that includes individual counseling, support groups, and family guidance. This model is set to be launched at key oncology centers in Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs, with plans for a nationwide rollout. To maintain high standards of care, the Department is implementing intensive training programs for healthcare staff in early detection and oncology centers. These programs are designed to enhance the effectiveness of medical professionals in communicating diagnoses and identifying signs of anxiety or depression that require specialized intervention.
These psychological support services are provided entirely free of charge. Patients can access them through a referral system facilitated by oncologists or early detection specialists, who can direct them to the appropriate support nodes within health facilities. Looking ahead to the 2027–2028 period, the Ministry plans to expand access to these services to 60 percent of primary healthcare centers. Additional initiatives include the activation of a telephone support and family counseling line, as well as the inclusion of mental health indicators within the national health information system.
Health officials emphasize that the primary objective of these initiatives is to transition from theoretical training to the delivery of consistent, measurable psychological support. This effort seeks to ensure that medical care is holistically aligned with the psychological needs of cancer patients in Syria, guided by unified national protocols.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
