Qatar Red Crescent Delivers Major Medical Aid Shipment To Syria

Post by : Mumtaaz Qadiri

A high-level team from the Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) reached Damascus International Airport as part of Qatar’s ongoing support to the people of Syria. The visit was aimed at strengthening the country’s health sector and supporting medical institutions that serve millions of Syrians.

Senior officials lead the mission

The Qatari delegation was led by QRCS President Yousef bin Ali Al Khater, along with Secretary-General Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, Assistant Secretary-General for Relief and International Development Mohamed Bader Al Sada, and Assistant Secretary-General for Communication and Resource Development Mohamed Ahmed Al Beshri. Their presence showed the importance Qatar attaches to this humanitarian mission.

Warm welcome in Syria

At the airport, the Qatari delegation was received by Syria’s Minister of Health Dr. Musaab Nazzal Al Ali, the Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy of Qatar in Syria Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud, the President of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent Society (SARCS) Dr. Mohamed Hazem Bakleh, and other senior Syrian officials. Staff from QRCS’s office in Turkiye also attended. The welcome ceremony reflected the close cooperation between the two countries in humanitarian work.

Purpose of the visit

The main purpose of the visit was to deliver a new shipment of Qatari medical aid under the “Take Heart Syria” initiative. This batch contained advanced medical equipment and supplies donated by Sidra Medicine, Al-Tafa'ol Trading Company, United International Trading Company, and Doha Health Care Group. The delivery was coordinated between QRCS, SARCS, and Syria’s Ministry of Health.

Aid arrives by Qatar Air Force

The medical aid was flown in on a Qatar Emiri Air Force aircraft. The plane carried 12 tons of critical and advanced medical equipment. These supplies will help Syrian hospitals provide better services to patients and continue their work despite challenges.

Previous land aid convoys

Before this air delivery, Qatar had already sent three land aid convoys. On 28 August 2025, 22 trucks loaded with medical supplies left from warehouses in Doha belonging to Sidra Medicine and QRCS. These convoys passed through Saudi Arabia and Jordan before reaching Syria. In total, 78 tons of medical aid were sent by road.

Total aid under the initiative

With both land and air deliveries, the total amount of aid sent under the “Take Heart Syria” initiative reached 90 tons. The value of the aid is estimated at over QR 45 million (about $12.5 million). This large-scale support highlights Qatar’s commitment to helping Syria recover.

Qatar Red Crescent’s long support

In his speech, QRCS President Al Khater explained that this aid was a result of strong cooperation between Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sidra Medicine, Syria’s Ministry of Health, QRCS, and SARCS. He stressed that QRCS has been helping Syria since the crisis began in 2012. Through its office in Turkiye and with international partners, QRCS has supported health, shelter, relief, food, water, sanitation, and livelihood projects worth $160 million. These programs benefited more than 13 million Syrians over the years.

Promise of continued aid

Al Khater assured Syrians that QRCS will continue sending aid. He emphasized that Qatar remains committed to supporting the health sector in Syria and helping hospitals access vital equipment. This ongoing assistance is seen as part of Qatar’s humanitarian responsibility.

Syria thanks Qatar

Syria’s Minister of Health, Dr. Al Ali, welcomed the aid with gratitude. He said the shipment was more than just medical supplies — it was a sign of true solidarity and hope for patients and doctors. He described the aid as a symbol of brotherhood between Syrians and Qataris and thanked QRCS and the State of Qatar for their generous support.

Strong humanitarian bonds

Dr. Al Ali added that this act of generosity shows how humanitarian work can rise above political or economic challenges. He stressed that Syrians will always remember this support as a reflection of values such as cooperation, solidarity, and fraternity.

Qatar’s commitment reaffirmed

Qatar’s Charge d’Affaires in Syria, Khalifa Abdullah Al Mahmoud, also spoke about the significance of the aid. He said this shipment proves Qatar’s consistent commitment to stand by the Syrian people since the start of the crisis in 2011. He called it a new step in a long journey of solidarity and promised that Qatar will continue to help rebuild Syria’s health sector and essential infrastructure.

Aid distribution across Syria

Al Mahmoud explained that the medical equipment will be distributed to different Syrian regions, including Al Suwayda and coastal areas. He noted that this reflects Qatar’s determination to support the entire country and strengthen resilience in all governorates.

Syrian Red Crescent joins efforts

SARCS President Dr. Bakleh also praised the Qatari aid and welcomed the QRCS delegation to Syria. He said the donation highlighted the strong ties between the two peoples. He added that SARCS volunteers and staff are working with QRCS to deliver the aid to vulnerable communities. He confirmed that this shipment would improve health care in public hospitals and ease pressure on private and nonprofit providers.

List of medical equipment delivered

HE Faisal Mohamed Al Emadi, QRCS Secretary-General, explained the details of the medical shipment. The aid included X-ray machines, anesthesia and dialysis equipment, laboratory testing devices, vital signs monitors, ventilators, incubators, radiography and laser imaging systems, plasma and biological storage freezers, cardiac and neurological monitoring devices, decision support systems for doctors, stretchers, disinfection and protection tools, medical consumables, and first-aid kits. This wide range of supplies will help hospitals restart suspended services and provide better treatment to patients.

Impact on Syrian healthcare

The advanced medical equipment delivered by Qatar will strengthen Syria’s health system at a critical time. Many hospitals in Syria face shortages of tools and medicines due to the long crisis. With these supplies, hospitals can treat more patients, reduce waiting times, and offer services that were unavailable for years. This aid will also boost the confidence of medical staff, who continue working under difficult conditions.

Message of hope and unity

The aid effort under “Take Heart Syria” sends a strong message of hope to the Syrian people. It shows that humanitarian cooperation can overcome challenges and bring nations together for the sake of human life. Qatar’s assistance is not only about supplies but also about reminding Syrians that they are not alone in their struggle.

With this large medical donation, Qatar has shown that it intends to continue playing a major role in helping Syria recover. More aid projects are expected in the future, especially in health, infrastructure, and relief. This cooperation between QRCS, SARCS, and Syria’s Ministry of Health reflects a spirit of partnership that can make a lasting difference.

Qatar medical aid, Syrian health support, Humanitarian relief effort