Hospitals in Syria: Comprehensive Guide for Surgery

Hospitals in Syria

Syria’s hospital network includes national teaching centers, regional public hospitals, private clinics, and humanitarian-supported facilities. Years of crisis have affected infrastructure, equipment, and staffing, but many hospitals—especially in Damascus, Latakia, Tartous, and some areas of Aleppo and Homs—continue delivering full-range and specialty care. Others function only partially, relying on humanitarian NGOs, local partnerships, and government restoration.

MyHospitalNow’s Syria category helps users research available hospitals, compare by specialty/location, and read true testimonials for safer, better care choices.

Begin exploring now:


Syria’s Hospital System: Types and Challenges

1. Public Teaching Hospitals (Ministry of Health & Higher Education)

  • Located in major cities (Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, Latakia), these offer advanced surgery, trauma, maternal and newborn care, research, and academic training.
  • Examples: Damascus University Hospital, Al-Mouwasat Hospital (Damascus), Aleppo University Hospital, Al-Basel Hospital (Latakia).

2. Military, Interior, and Specialized Hospitals

  • Serve armed forces personnel but also open to civilians for a nominal fee; offer trauma, emergency, surgery, dialysis, infectious disease care.

3. Private and NGO-Supported Facilities

  • Range from city clinics to surgical hospitals (especially in safer, better-resourced zones). Many rely on international NGOs or humanitarian aid for supplies and staff support.

4. Regional/District Hospitals

  • Provide basic surgery, maternity, pediatrics, trauma, and chronic disease care; capacity and function vary greatly by region, security, and funding.

Operational Status (2021–2025)

  • Only 64% of Syria’s 200+ hospitals are fully functional; 16% operate partially, and 18% are non-operational or closed.
  • Shortages affect trauma/emergency, neonatal, cancer, burn, and intensive care—especially in north, east, and conflict-affected provinces.
  • Many hospitals have gaps in medicine, staffing, modern equipment, interpreter and ambulance services.

Step-by-Step: How To Find and Use Hospitals in Syria

Step 1: Define Needs

  • Emergency/Trauma: Go to nearest public teaching or regional facility in Damascus, Aleppo, or Latakia—even partial-function sites offer life-saving stabilization.
  • Complex Surgery/Specialist Care: Use Hospitals in Syria category to review specialties (heart, neuro, cancer, maternity, ICU).
  • Maternity/Pediatrics: Seek hospitals with functional neonatal and maternal units (major public, select private, and academic hospitals).
  • Chronic/Scheduled Treatment: Compare facilities for equipment, staff qualifications, testimonials, and language support.

Step 2: Compare and Shortlist

  • Hospital specialization, function status, city vs. regional availability, interpreter support, and presence of humanitarian or NGO clinics.
  • User stories reveal staff kindness, outcome quality, access challenges, and recovery support.
  • Transport/access: public transport varies; ambulances are limited outside high-security areas.

Step 3: Plan Your Hospital Visit

  • Bring ID (passport, Syrian card), referral notes, complete health records.
  • Request interpreter or family support if non-Arabic speaking.
  • Prepare transport solution, especially for emergencies or remote regions.
  • Ask about admission, pre-op steps (for surgery), outpatient/aftercare protocols.
  • Confirm security/operational status before visiting any district or partially functioning hospital.

Top Hospitals in Syria: Comparison Table

Hospital NameCityFunction StatusKey SpecialtiesBed CountNotable Features
Al-Mouwasat University HospitalDamascusFullySurgery, trauma, maternal, ICU800+Academic, JCI Cert.
Al-Assad University HospitalDamascusFullyCardiac, neuro, oncology650+Advanced machines
Aleppo University HospitalAleppoPartial/FullTrauma, peds, surgery600+Regional anchor
Al-Basel HospitalLatakiaFullyMaternity, peds, trauma, ICU400+Modern maternal care
Red Crescent HospitalDamascusFullyEmergency, maternal, surgery400+ISO-certified
Tishreen University HospitalLatakiaFullyCardiac, neuro, surgery500+Research focus
Ibn Al-Nafees HospitalDamascusPartial/FullCardiac, surgical, ICU200+Cardiac specialty
Al-Razy HospitalAleppoPartialSurgery, trauma, burns220+Burn/trauma leader
NGO/UNICEF-supported HospitalsMulti-cityPartial/FullPediatrics, maternal, generalVariesFree care, interpreter
Private City ClinicsMajor CitiesVariesGeneral, diagnostics, checkupVariesElective comfort

Syrian Hospitals: What Sets Them Apart

  • Resilience: Providing care despite crisis, damage, and shortages.
  • Universal Access: Public sector guarantees free or low-cost care for emergencies and maternal/child health; private care offers premium, comfort, and elective options.
  • Specialist Clusters: Damascus, Latakia, and Aleppo have largest tertiary hospital clusters and most experienced specialists.
  • International Support: Humanitarian organizations and NGOs fill gaps where state facilities face limits, especially in pediatric, trauma, and maternal health.

True Patient Stories

  • “Al-Mouwasat’s staff saved my son’s life—the trauma team handled everything despite medicine shortages.”
  • “In Aleppo University Hospital, the surgery team was kind, even in tough circumstances. The spirit is strong.”
  • “Red Crescent Hospital provided my emergency maternity care for free, helped by interpreters and nurses throughout.”
  • “Ibn Al-Nafees cardiac doctors explained procedures and gave full attention—deeply grateful for specialized care.”

Planning Checklist for Your Syria Hospital Visit

  • ☐ Bring identification, insurance records (if applicable), referral notes, and recent tests
  • ☐ Prepare transport or companion support
  • ☐ List allergies, ongoing prescriptions, and history
  • ☐ Ask about interpreter or language needs in advance
  • ☐ Confirm hospital function status and security before traveling
  • ☐ Secure emergency contacts for rapid communication

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Syrian hospitals safe and functional for surgical or maternity care?
Major urban and university hospitals often operate fully despite challenges; always confirm status before admission or surgery.

Do hospitals support foreign, expat, or non-Arabic speakers?
Interpreter services are available at public and some private or NGO-linked hospitals; staff will assist as possible.

Is health care free or paid?
Emergency, maternity, and essential primary care is low-cost or free in the public system; private and premium care requires direct payment.

How do I find reliable or up-to-date hospital info?
MyHospitalNow provides recent function status, specialty directories, user testimonials, and planning advice.

Can I get referrals and aftercare?
Yes, using hospital discharge protocols; connect with social support and NGOs for ongoing needs.


Maximizing MyHospitalNow for Syrian Hospital Selection

  • Explore Hospitals in Syria category for smart comparisons, hospital lists, specialty centers, and direct contact info.
  • Download planning tools, admission guides, and user stories.
  • Filter by city, specialty, rating, and operational status for best fit.

Start Your Syria Healthcare Journey Now

From emergency trauma and surgery to pediatric, maternity, and chronic care, Syria’s hospitals—public, private, and humanitarian—are organized for clear choice and help on MyHospitalNow.

Choose, compare, and connect for safe, expert hospital care in Syria—only from MyHospitalNow.