Advancing International Collaboration to Strengthen Health Systems
Dr. Safwan Al-Chalati, President of the Syrian Board of Medical Specializations (SBOMS), participated in the Health Systems Research Conference in Nagasaki, Japan, held from November 18 to 22, 2024. The purpose of Dr. Al-Chalati’s participation was to share Syria’s experience in health system development and to foster international academic collaboration.
The conference was conducted with researchers and healthcare experts from around the globe, focusing on addressing current structural challenges in health systems. Participants engaged in the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and strategies to enhance health system performance worldwide.
Lecture on Health System Development in Syria
Dr. Al-Chalati delivered a lecture on the role of the Syrian Board of Medical Specializations (SBOMS) in advancing Syria’s health system. The lecture highlighted efforts to build national medical capacities and develop training and specialization programs aimed at qualifying physicians across various fields to address the unique challenges within the healthcare sector.
Dr. Al-Chalati emphasized the importance of adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates cooperation between local and international institutions, as a crucial strategy for achieving tangible improvements in healthcare quality, particularly given the complex circumstances currently facing Syria’s health system.
The presentation was met with a positive response, as attendees demonstrated a strong interest in Syria’s experience. They acknowledged the valuable insights it provides into adapting and managing healthcare crises within conflict-affected settings.
Interactive Panel Discussion on Health Systems in Conflict Zones
Dr. Al-Chalati participated in many panel discussions addressing global health research systems, with particular emphasis on the session dedicated to Syria and Myanmar. This specific session garnered significant attention due to the unique challenges faced by these two regions in building a cohesive health system amidst complex circumstances and conflict-affected environments.
The panel included a distinguished group of experts: Dr. Mansour Al-Atrash, Head of the Health Information Unit (HIS); Dr. Abdulhakim Ramadan, Representative of the Idlib Health Directorate (IHD); and Dr. Abdulkarim Akziz, Researcher at King’s College London (KCL) and Board Member of the Syria Center for Development (SDC).
The discussion centered on practical and innovative strategies for overcoming the complexities of healthcare delivery amidst conflict, offering valuable insights into effective solutions for conflict-affected environments. The expertise shared during this panel was particularly noteworthy due to the pressing needs and the resilience demonstrated in these challenging contexts.
Meetings to Enhance Academic Cooperation
During the course of the international conference, Dr. Al-Chalati engaged in intensive meetings with several international researchers to advance academic cooperation and share expertise in the medical field. These discussions focused on developing shared medical curricula, exchanging physician training programs, and initiating joint research projects aimed at enhancing healthcare quality and strengthening institutional capacities.
These initiatives are part of SBOMS’ broader strategy to expand academic and research collaborations globally and to build stronger partnerships with international academic institutions
Strengthening Syria’s Presence in the International Arena
Dr. Al-Chalati’s participation reflects the efforts of the Syrian Board of Medical Specializations to strengthen Syria’s presence on the international stage and emphasize the importance of advancing health systems to benefit patients and enhance the capabilities of healthcare professionals in Syria. This involvement underscores the Board’s commitment to sharing Syria’s experience and contributing to the global dialogue on health system reform in conflict-affected settings.