Baghdad – IA
Today, Saturday, Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani affirmed the government’s keenness to cooperate with reliable international companies in the health sector, while stating that specialized centers are an important pillar in health services.
The Prime Minister’s Media Office said in a statement – received by the (INA): ”Prime Minister Muhammad Shia Al-Sudani opened the Iraqi-Korean Specialized Hospital for Critical Care (Intensive) in the Medical City in Baghdad.”
The Prime Minister pointed out – according to the statement – “the government’s efforts in the health sector, and its keenness to cooperate with reliable international companies as an approved course of action,” stressing that “specialized centers are an important pillar in health services, and the importance of generalizing this experience with what they have provided.” Advanced technologies, in addition to the importance of continuing to implement health insurance.”
The statement added, “The Minister of Health reviewed – before the Prime Minister – the achievements that were achieved during the two years of the government’s life, in accordance with what was adopted in the government program, as he confirmed the completion of 13 new hospitals, 3 specialized centers, two burn centers, and 25 kidney treatment centers.” In addition to 16 hospitals in which work is underway, in addition to health insurance, management and joint operation, whose positive results the citizen has begun to see.”
He pointed out, “The opened hospital – which is the first of its kind in Iraq - consists of 4 floors with a capacity of 74 beds, 3 surgical theaters equipped with the latest medical devices, an advanced center for cardiac and cerebral catheterization, and two microscopes for surgical intervention.”
He continued, ”The hospital is equipped with more than 2,250 medical devices, including advanced devices for laparoscopic operations on the digestive system, and 17 devices for patients with kidney failure. It contains two recovery and isolation halls, an advanced laboratory, a drug store, a blood bank, an MRI, and advanced X-rays.”
What are the key benefits of establishing specialized healthcare centers in developing countries like Iraq?
Interview Between the Editor of Time.news and Dr. Lina Al-Hassan, Health Policy Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Al-Hassan. Thank you for joining us today. I’d like to dive into Iraq’s health sector development, especially in light of Prime Minister Muhammad Shiaa Al-Sudani’s recent remarks on opening the Iraqi-Korean Specialized Hospital for Critical Care in Baghdad. What are your thoughts on this initiative?
Dr. Lina Al-Hassan: Good afternoon! It’s a pleasure to be here. The initiative to open the Iraqi-Korean Specialized Hospital for Critical Care is a significant development for Iraq’s healthcare landscape. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in improving medical infrastructure.
Editor: Yes, the Prime Minister highlighted the role of specialized centers as a critical pillar in health services. Can you elaborate on why specialized centers are particularly important for healthcare systems in developing countries like Iraq?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Absolutely. Specialized centers offer advanced care in specific medical fields. For developing countries, having these centers can elevate the standard of care available to citizens. They allow for the concentration of expertise and resources, leading to better patient outcomes. Additionally, they can help reduce medical tourism, as patients will have access to quality care within their own country.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. The Prime Minister mentioned cooperation with reliable international companies. How do you view the impact of such partnerships on Iraq’s healthcare system?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Strategic partnerships with international companies can bring in not only financial investments but also technological advancements and best practices in healthcare delivery. This can enhance training for local healthcare professionals and improve the overall quality of care. However, it’s crucial that these partnerships are managed transparently and that they align with Iraq’s healthcare needs and standards.
Editor: You raised an interesting point about transparency. With foreign investments, there’s often concern about governance and accountability. How can the Iraqi government ensure that these collaborations are beneficial and corruption-free?
Dr. Al-Hassan: Ensuring governance and accountability in collaborations requires robust regulatory frameworks. Iraq needs to establish clear guidelines for partnerships, including performance metrics and regular audits. Involving stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and community members, in decision-making processes can enhance transparency and trust in the system.
Editor: Shifting focus to the broader health sector in Iraq, what are the major challenges that need to be addressed alongside these new initiatives?
Dr. Al-Hassan: One of the major challenges is the existing infrastructure, which often struggles to support the demand for healthcare services. There’s also a need for continued investment in human resources, particularly in training healthcare workers to utilize new technologies. Lastly, public health education is vital; empowering citizens to understand and navigate the healthcare system is essential for improving health outcomes.
Editor: Thank you for that insight, Dr. Al-Hassan. As you look to the future, what are your hopes for Iraq’s health sector as it embraces these changes?
Dr. Al-Hassan: My hope is that Iraq can build a resilient healthcare system that is not only equipped with modern facilities but is also accessible to all citizens. By fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement, we can ensure that Iraq’s health sector responds effectively to both current challenges and future healthcare needs.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Al-Hassan, for sharing your valuable insights on this important topic. It’s an exciting time for Iraq’s health sector, and we look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.
Dr. Al-Hassan: Thank you for having me. I’m hopeful for the future of healthcare in Iraq!