Asia

Top 5 Cancer Care in Syria

25 February 2025

Syria’s healthcare system has been profoundly affected by the ongoing conflict, making it challenging to access essential medical care, including cancer treatment. With limited specialized hospitals and insufficient infrastructure, many cancer patients in Syria face substantial obstacles in obtaining timely and effective treatment. Despite these difficulties, there are a few hospitals in Syria that continue to provide cancer care, offering a ray of hope to those in need.

Here are some of the notable medical facilities in Syria that provide cancer care, though access and resources remain limited.

1. Albairouni University Hospital

Location: Damascus
Specialty: Known for treating cancer patients from across Syria, Albairouni University Hospital serves as one of the principal cancer treatment centers in the country.

Albairouni University Hospital is a central healthcare facility in Damascus, the capital of Syria, that provides cancer care. Although the hospital’s resources are limited due to the ongoing conflict, it is recognized as a key player in the country’s fight against cancer. The hospital provides oncology services, including diagnostic tests, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Despite the challenges, Albairouni remains one of the primary centers where patients from across Syria come to seek cancer treatment.

Why Choose Albairouni University Hospital?

Centralized cancer care – Serves as one of the major cancer care facilities in the country.
Comprehensive treatment – Offers chemotherapy and other forms of cancer treatment, though the scope may be limited.
Accessible to a wide population – Treats patients from various regions of Syria, often providing much-needed services in a time of crisis.

2. Children’s Hospital in Damascus

Location: Damascus
Specialty: Provides specialized care for children with cancer, including leukemia.

Children’s Hospital in Damascus is a prominent healthcare facility specializing in pediatric care, with a focus on children suffering from cancer. The hospital is particularly well-known for its treatment of leukemia, a common form of childhood cancer. With a dedicated team of pediatric oncologists, the hospital provides a crucial service for children and their families in Syria. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict, the hospital remains committed to offering specialized cancer treatments for children.

Why Choose Children’s Hospital in Damascus?

Pediatric cancer care – Specializes in treating childhood cancers, with a focus on leukemia.
Experienced team – Offers a range of cancer treatments for young patients, addressing their specific needs.
Dedicated pediatric oncology – Provides a supportive environment for families dealing with cancer in children.

3. Hama National Hospital

Location: Hama
Specialty: Offers some cancer treatment services, providing a ray of hope for local patients.

Hama National Hospital, located in the Hama governorate of Syria, is another healthcare institution offering cancer services. While its facilities are not as advanced as those in major cities like Damascus, the hospital still provides essential oncology services to the local population. For many patients in the region, this hospital offers one of the few available treatment options. Its services include chemotherapy and basic cancer care, providing critical support in a time when many hospitals are struggling.

Why Choose Hama National Hospital?

Local access to care – Provides a vital source of cancer treatment for people in Hama and surrounding areas.
Basic oncology services – Offers chemotherapy and other standard treatments.
Affordable care – More accessible to local populations who may not be able to travel to larger cities for cancer treatment.

4. Damascus University Hospital

Location: Damascus
Specialty: Offers some cancer-related services, though specific details are limited.

Damascus University Hospital is one of the largest academic hospitals in Syria, affiliated with the University of Damascus. Although it is not primarily known for cancer treatment, the hospital does offer oncology services for those in need. However, due to the ongoing conflict and lack of detailed public information, the hospital’s capacity to treat cancer patients may be limited compared to specialized cancer centers. That said, it still plays a role in providing basic cancer services to those within the capital.

Why Choose Damascus University Hospital?

Academic institution – A teaching hospital affiliated with Damascus University, which may offer access to research and training in cancer care.
Basic cancer services – Provides some oncology services, including diagnostic tests and chemotherapy.
Strategic location – Situated in Damascus, it may serve as an accessible option for local cancer patients.

5. Tishreen University Hospital

Location: Latakia
Specialty: Provides general medical services, which might include some cancer care.

Tishreen University Hospital, located in Latakia, is another facility in Syria that offers general medical services, including cancer care. Although it does not specialize in oncology, the hospital may provide basic cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and supportive care. Given the hospital’s general nature, its cancer services are likely limited compared to specialized cancer hospitals, but it still offers critical treatment to the local population.

Why Choose Tishreen University Hospital?

General medical services – Provides comprehensive healthcare, including potential cancer care.
Access to local care – Offers a potential source of cancer treatment for patients in Latakia and surrounding areas.
Basic oncology treatments – Provides chemotherapy and other cancer care as part of its general offerings.

Challenges and Outlook for Cancer Care in Syria

Syria’s ongoing conflict has devastated its healthcare infrastructure, leaving hospitals with limited resources, outdated equipment, and a lack of access to modern treatments. This makes cancer care particularly difficult to access, as specialized equipment such as radiotherapy machines, chemotherapy drugs, and advanced diagnostic tools are in short supply. Many patients also face challenges in traveling to healthcare facilities due to the ongoing security issues and lack of transportation infrastructure.

The hospitals listed above are among the few that continue to provide cancer care despite these challenges. However, international support and humanitarian aid are crucial to improving the availability of cancer treatment in Syria. As the country rebuilds, there will be a need for greater investments in healthcare infrastructure, medical training, and access to advanced cancer treatments to ensure that all Syrians have access to the life-saving care they need.

Conclusion

In Syria, cancer care is a critical issue, with very few hospitals offering specialized oncology services. The hospitals mentioned above, such as Albairouni University Hospital, Children’s Hospital in Damascus, and Hama National Hospital, remain essential sources of care for cancer patients in Syria. However, ongoing support and international cooperation are necessary to improve cancer care availability and infrastructure in the country.

Despite these challenges, the efforts of these institutions provide a ray of hope for cancer patients who are fighting for their lives amidst one of the most challenging conflicts in the world.