Syrian Doctors Association in Turkey Holds Founding Conference
The city of Istanbul has hosted the founding conference of the Syrian Doctors Association in Turkey, held under the banner, “Founding Together… To Leave an Impact.” The event saw significant official Syrian participation alongside prominent Turkish academic and medical figures, reflecting the association’s objective to consolidate the efforts of Syrian medical professionals and bolster their professional and humanitarian roles.
The conference was attended by a high-level delegation of Syrian officials, led by Dr. Hussein Al-Khatib, Assistant Minister of Health for Health Affairs; Fadi Al-Qasim, the Syrian Ambassador to Turkey; and Consul General Dr. Khaled Al-Hindawi. Also in attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Health, members of the People’s Assembly, heads of medical professional unions, and deans of medical faculties. Bilal Erdogan, son of the Turkish President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Ibn Haldun University, which hosted the event, was also present.
In his remarks, Dr. Hussein Al-Khatib described the establishment of the association as a strategic step. He noted that the initiative aims to create an institutional framework for Syrian doctors in Turkey, facilitating the transfer of scientific and medical expertise to the interior of Syria. Dr. Al-Khatib highlighted the vital role the association will play as a communication bridge between Syrian physicians in Turkey and national health institutions, contributing to the reconstruction and development of the Syrian health sector.
Dr. Adel Al-Saidi, President of the Syrian Doctors Association in Turkey, reviewed the year-long preparation process for the conference, which included meetings in 12 Turkish cities and culminated in the Istanbul assembly of over 150 Syrian doctors. Dr. Al-Saidi announced that the association is preparing to launch specialized projects, most notably a training program for Syrian medical staff in collaboration with experienced Turkish doctors. This will be followed by efforts to certify qualified physicians in Turkish hospitals, granting them credentials recognized by the health ministries of both nations.
Furthermore, Dr. Al-Saidi revealed plans for specialized medical initiatives, including the establishment of the first integrated liver transplant unit within Syria. This project will be coordinated with the relevant authorities to reduce the need for patients to travel abroad and to localize advanced medical expertise within the country.
The conference featured in-depth panel discussions regarding the association’s vision and future goals, alongside debates on mechanisms to support medical and humanitarian initiatives and foster academic partnerships. The event received commercial sponsorship from GMD Surgical Threads, Kapul Trading Company, and Al-Sultan Sweets, a gesture reflecting societal interest in supporting Syrian scientific talent.
Source: Syria Focus Arabic
