A widespread controversy is raging in Raqqa Governorate regarding Dr. Ghiath Nizam al-Din al-Hamoud, the governorate's health director, a well-known loyalist of the former regime.
Al-Hamoud, who has supported the Assad regime on numerous occasions and in posts documented by activists, remains in his position, exercising his powers, including issuing decisions and reviewing the files of those dismissed from their jobs for revolutionary reasons. His critics consider this to be contrary to the goals of the Syrian revolution and the sacrifices of its martyrs.
Criticism intensified with the issuance of Administrative Decision No. 14/S dated May 19, 2025, which stipulated the formation of a committee to review the files of employees dismissed from the Raqqa Health Directorate, under the direct supervision of Dr. al-Hamoud.
Zaman al-Wasl reviewed a statement written by health sector workers and activists in Raqqa addressed to the Syrian government's Ministry of Health, expressing their grave concern about this assignment.
The statement is based on what it described as Dr. Al-Hamoud's "publicized positions in support of the former regime," which raises doubts about his impartiality and ability to lead a genuine reform process in the health sector.
The statement's authors believe that appointing a figure with such a background sends negative messages to medical personnel who have suffered from exclusion, and may open the door to new discriminatory practices instead of achieving justice and transparency.
Accordingly, the statement called on the Ministry of Health to: freeze the decision regarding Dr. Ghiath Al-Hamoud's appointment to the aforementioned committee, pending the review of the objections; open a transparent administrative investigation into the mechanism of his appointment and his professional career over the past period; and reconsider the nomination of an alternative figure with broad acceptance and impartial administrative experience to lead the health sector in Raqqa.
The petitioners emphasized their keenness to cooperate with the Ministry to support competencies and establish standards of transparency and reform, in line with the principles of the new phase. They emphasized their confidence in the Minister of Health and his desire to develop the health sector, both in terms of services and administration.
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