Healthcare
Healthcare services
Health services are provided by the public, NGO and private sectors, and are led by the Ministry of Health which is the main provider of health services that cover all levels of health care.
Primary healthcare
Primary health care is provided through 1296 Ministry of Health centers and mobile clinics/teams, NGO centers supported by UN agencies, and private polyclinics. Ministry of Health clinics are offering free of charge national package of health services that focus on health promotion, disease prevention, disease management, and rehabilitation. Primary health care services consist of mother and child health services, communicable and non-communicable diseases management including mental health and psychosocial services, elderly, youth, dental and nutrition services, in addition to medical investigation and medicine services. Some of the centers offer specialized services such as Thalassemia services, and 24/7 emergency services.
Secondary and tertiary healthcare
Secondary and tertiary health care is provided through 98 Ministry of Health and Department of Health hospitals and specialized centers, 12 university hospitals, NGO and private hospitals. Available care includes a wide range of medical and surgical interventions for elective and emergency cases that cover all specialty areas. Care at Ministry of Health hospitals is generally against a charge. Hospitals affiliated with the Department of Health are free of charge.
Rehabilitation services
Rehabilitation services for persons with disabilities, including assistive devices and artificial limbs, are provided through clinics, workshops and hospitals, NGO run workshops for artificial limbs, the SARC artificial limb centers in rural Damascus and Aleppo, UNHCR supported community centers, and Ministry of Health rehabilitation center in Damascus.
For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website.
Admission to Health Services
If you are Syrian, you can access all levels of care at the standard rate set by the Ministry of Health.
You can access any public primary health center to receive, if available, the package of primary health care services free of charge. Some NGO centers offer services for flat rates.
No legal documents are required in public primary health care centers of the Ministry of Health or the Department of Health, except if specialized or medicine services are provided. In that case the ID card should be presented.
Hospital services in autonomous hospitals of the Ministry of Health, university hospitals and NGO hospitals are generally charged at a national rate for Syrians in addition to the cost of medical supplies, if required. While non-autonomous hospitals affiliated with Departments of Health are free of charge except for the cost of medicines, medical supplies and devices.
Emergency services/departments in hospitals receive patients for life saving services free of charge regardless of their identity and nationality, up to the stabilization phase.
For more information, please visit the Ministry of Health website.
Vaccination
All vaccination services are free of charge. Vaccination services are available in all public health centers and through mobile vaccination teams that reach different areas. Vaccines are safe, approved by the World Health Organization (WHO), and fully supported by UNICEF and WHO. The Ministry of Health also runs vaccination campaigns to ensure that all children under five get the vaccines they need according to their age – even if they missed doses while away.
Don’t Forget Your Child’s Vaccination Card
The vaccination card is an essential document for your child’s health and future. We strongly encourage all returning parents to bring their children’s vaccination cards when returning to Syria.
Why is it important?
- It ensures your child can continue receiving the necessary vaccines without delays.
- It is often required for school enrollment.
Bringing the card helps health workers know which vaccines your child has already received, and which are still needed, keeping them safe and helping them start school on time.
Lost vaccination card?
If you’ve lost the card or don’t have one, don’t worry—health workers can still help you. Just visit your nearest health center after arrival.
Nutrition
If you have a child under five or are pregnant or breastfeeding, free nutrition services are available at Ministry of Health centers and NGO-supported facilities across Syria. Children receive growth monitoring and supplements, while mothers can access antenatal care, regular check-ups, and iron-folate tablets. Malnutrition treatment is provided when needed, and early intervention is strongly recommended.
If you have a child under five
- Visit the nearest health center that offers nutrition services
- Your child will receive a growth monitoring card and free nutrition supplements
If your child shows signs of malnutrition, please seek treatment immediately in the nearest nutrition facility – early care is very important!
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Go to the nearest health center for antenatal care
- You will receive regular check-ups, including weight and arm measurements, and iron-folate tablets
Need support - Call UNICEF
Call the UNICEF service line 0952535262 (Available Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
1,300 Ministry of Health facilities provide nutrition services across all governorates. In addition, national NGOs supported by UNICEF also offer these services in many areas.
Special Services
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS): Available through community centres, especially for trauma survivors and women-headed households.
- Reproductive health: Free gynecological services and reproductive health, family planning, and emergency obstetrical care at PHCs
Useful Websites
Ministry of Health – وزارة الصحة | الرئيسية