Pharmaceutical needs in Syria

Abstract

Until the mid-1980s, Syria’s pharmaceutical industry was minimal, with only two government-run facilities—Tamiko and Dimas—covering less than 10% of national medicine demand. In 1987, government reforms encouraged private sector investment, introducing Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines and ISO standards. This led to rapid sector growth, with 70 licensed private labs producing 91% of Syria’s medicinal needs by 2010, employing over 17,000 professionals and generating up to USD 350 million annually. However, the outbreak of war in 2011 severely disrupted this progress. The conflict (2011–2024) destroyed infrastructure, crippled supply chains, and introduced sanctions that restricted access to the international market and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), while over 24 factories and 5,000 pharmacies closed. The Objective of this study is to explore Syria’s key pharmaceutical needs in the context of post-conflict recovery focusing on production capacity, quality control, and supply chain stability. It aims to identify the most critical barriers limiting medicine availability and safety, while drawing comparisons to other post-conflict settings. The design involves a systematic review of published literature, grey reports, and first-hand communications with individual pharmacists representing community pharmacies, wholesalers, and importers. Main Outcome Measures include identification of key contributors to drug shortages and quality degradation, including disrupted supply chains, weakened regulatory oversight, workforce degradation and reduced access to high-grade raw materials. The Results indicate that the pharmaceutical sector, once a model of local self-reliance and export strength, has become fragmented and unreliable, with substandard and counterfeit medications entering the market due to failing quality control and surveillance systems. Regulatory agencies now face staff shortages, limited resources, and diminished authority, while public hospitals struggle to maintain stocks of essential treatments, forcing many Syrians to choose between food and unaffordable medication. The Conclusion highlights the urgent need for a national pharmaceutical recovery strategy that prioritizes rebuilding supply chains, restoring regulatory capacity, invest in local production and enhance international partnerships. Lessons from countries like Rwanda underscore the importance of long-term planning, quality assurance, and investment in workforce development. Addressing these issues is essential for ensuring sustainable access to safe, effective medicines and improving healthcare outcomes across Syria.