The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has dismissed Radwan al-Ahmad, the General Director of Al-Biruni University Hospital in Damascus. This decision follows a report by the Central Authority for Inspection and Audit, which uncovered irregularities involving the return of funds—earmarked for the purchase of cancer medications—to the public treasury.
According to a document issued by the Central Authority for Inspection and Audit, reviewed by *Zaman Al-Wasl*, an inspection team was formed to investigate violations identified during a visit to the hospital on September 5, 2026. The team examined operations across various departments, including the pharmacy, warehouses, support services, the laboratory, and the radiology department.
The document indicates that the hospital administration, led by Radwan al-Ahmad, returned a sum exceeding 142 million Syrian pounds (in older currency valuation) to the public treasury, classifying it as "surplus" savings. In reality, these funds had been allocated in the hospital’s budget specifically for the procurement of oncology medications.
Based on the available information, this violation does not involve allegations of embezzlement; rather, it concerns the return of funds—intended for life-saving medication—to the state treasury, even as the hospital faced a severe shortage of such drugs.
The report highlights a critical scarcity of oncology drugs, alongside a shortage of other essential medications exceeding 70% of the required supply. This forced patients to purchase the necessary treatments at their own expense from private pharmacies in the Al-Sham suburb, often at high costs. Meanwhile, the existing stock at the hospital was insufficient to meet even one month’s worth of patient needs. The report also identified the presence of expired chemotherapy drugs—some dating back to 2019 and others to 2022—with no action taken to address them.
Other violations detailed in the document include:
- The near-constant breakdown of the linear accelerator used for cancer treatment, alongside suspected collusion between certain hospital staff and a private oncology center.
- Suspected collusion involving doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and taxi drivers. The report indicates that some physicians would issue external prescriptions, directing patients to purchase cancer medications from private pharmacies, with the financial proceeds subsequently shared among those involved—all occurring against the backdrop of a severe shortage of medication within the hospital itself.
- The presence of stray cats and dogs throughout the hospital grounds, particularly in the evening. Furthermore, trash and waste were left in critical areas, such as the kitchen and the provisions storage room. Additionally, the hospital morgue’s refrigeration unit was left open, despite containing human remains.
- Failure by some staff members to adhere to official working hours, including issues related to absenteeism and inadequate technical or administrative coverage. Some employees were also found to be "clocking in" using the biometric attendance system only to immediately return home.
The source stated that the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research has issued a decision appointing Dr. Qusay Musa Al-Hussein—a faculty member at the Damascus University Faculty of Medicine—to serve as the interim General Director of Al-Biruni University Hospital.
Zaman Al-Wasl
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