Iraq, Syria discussed health ties

Syrian Health Minister Eyad al-Shatti and his Iraqi counterpart Omid Medhat Mubarak on Monday discussed ways of enhancing health related cooperation between the two countries.

Mubarak briefed Shatti on the general health condition of Iraqis under the sanctions. Later in the day, the Syrian minister opened the Syrian-Iraqi medical week, then accompanied by a Syrian medical team toured several hospitals in Baghdad.

On Sunday, a Syrian health and medical delegation led by Shatti arrived in Baghdad for a several-day visit to Iraq to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the people of Iraq. The delegation comprises several Health Ministry directors, and hospital managers, surgeons and specialized physicians, and a delegation representing the Scientific Council for Drug Industries.

Quantities of medicines and foodstuffs also arrived as a donation from the people of Syria to the Iraqi people. The Syrian-Iraqi medical week activities include surgeries to be carried out by Syrian physicians in Iraqi hospitals and the exchange of expertise with Iraqi doctors.