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Syria
How years of conflict and economic hardship have shaped Syria's fragile healthcare system, a culture of self-medication, and patients' relationships with providers.
01
Healthcare system (coverage & access)
- The system is largely non-functional, with individuals mainly relying on emergency help and assistance.
- The Ministry of Health (MoH) oversees public health strategies, hospitals, and primary care clinics, though availability varies widely by region.
- Primary healthcare is organized at the provincial, district, and village levels, handling basic childcare, nutrition, and vaccinations.
- Many populations live in poverty and lack insurance or funds to pay for medication, posing major challenges to receiving care.
- The system remains unstable due to ongoing economic challenges and war.
02
Approaches to medication
- There is a strong emphasis on self-medication driven by economic challenges — in one study, 67.3% of patients practiced self-medication.
- Pharmacies throughout Syria regularly dispense medications that normally require a prescription.
- High value is placed on regular home remedies such as tea and herbal infusions.
03
How patients view providers
- Patients often distrust doctors and are frustrated by the lack of expediency and personalized care.
- Due to systemic challenges, doctors cannot provide a seamless healthcare experience, leaving patients frequently irritated.
04
Helpful to know
- Many Syrians observe Halal, so they prefer medications without animal-based gelatin or alcohol.
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