The Minister of Health visits the rehabilitated Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital, thanks to Japan’s support

H.E. Dr. Musaab Alali, the Minister of Health said, “This pivotal moment at the Homs Grand Hospital is of utmost importance, as we witness the fruit of great cooperation between the Ministry of Health, the Government of Japan, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Office for Project Services. The rehabilitation of the kidney building and its equipping with advanced medical technologies reflect our shared commitment to putting people first and enhancing the quality of healthcare. This project will directly serve hundreds of thousands of people of Homs, while its impact will extend to millions in the central region. On behalf of Syria, I extend my sincere thanks to the Government of Japan and our international partners for this vital initiative.”

“Japan remains committed to supporting the people of Syria by providing assistance such as this in the health sector, which has endured severe challenges during years of conflict,” said Akihiro Tsuji, Japan’s Charge d’Affaires.

With a US$4.7 million contribution from Japan, UNOPS rehabilitated the three-storey Kidney Building, located within the Homs Grand Hospital complex, and installed a specialized incinerator for decentralized, safe and environmentally friendly treatment of medical waste. This system will also serve eight surrounding health facilities in Homs.

Muhammad Usman Akram, Director of UNOPS Operational Hub in Amman, said:  “The rehabilitation of the Kidney Building is a concrete step in ensuring that the people in Homs and surrounding areas can access enhanced specialized health services. Thanks to the Government of Japan’s generous support, this facility will not only contribute to restoring essential health services, but also build a safer and more environmentally sustainable system for medical waste. This collaboration between the Government of Japan, the Ministry of Health, UNOPS and WHO demonstrates the power of partnership in addressing critical challenges and restoring health services and infrastructure for communities in need.”

Complementing these efforts, WHO is finalizing the installation of advanced medical technologies with US$4.97 million support from the Government of Japan to strengthen specialised care at the hospital. This includes MRI and CT scanners, a lithotripter for treating kidney stones, a fully equipped operating room, an intensive care unit with four beds, and a dialysis unit with 22 machines. New laboratory and sterilization units, along with medical gas and laundry systems, are also being set up to improve patient safety and infection control. 

Christina Bethke, Acting WHO Representative in Syria, said: “Today’s visit to the rehabilitated Kidney Building at Homs Grand Hospital marks an important milestone in strengthening health services in central Syria. Thanks to the Government of Japan’s generous support, and through close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and UNOPS, this facility is being restored and equipped to provide specialised care that people urgently need. It is a concrete step in rebuilding Syria’s health system, expanding access to lifesaving services, and ensuring that communities in Homs and beyond can look to a stronger, more resilient health sector in the years ahead.”

Once fully operational, the Kidney Building will provide specialized services including dialysis and treatment for kidney stones, as well as intensive care, surgery and referrals for advanced diagnostic investigations. These services will support more than 500,000 people living in northern and western Homs and are expected to improve access to quality care for around 3 million people across central Syria.

For media inquiries, please contact:

• For UNOPS: Anwar Abu Sakieneh, anwarAB@unops.org

• For WHO:  Halah Kabash, kabbashh@who.int; Mrinalini Santhanam, santhanamm@who.int