Iraq Health Summit to take forward Iraq's new direction on healthcare

With a substantial increase in central government budgets, the spotlight has turned on the Iraqi healthcare system. Plans are now underway for complete modernisation, including the expansion of healthcare facilities, investment in high quality equipment, a large procurement programme and advances in facility management and human resource development.

Iraq was the leader in healthcare in the Middle East and now under the Health Minister, HE Dr Saleh Al-Husnawi, there is a clear direction and determination to restore Iraq's healthcare system to its rightful place.

The Summit will feature an Iraqi government delegation of over 35 senior officials led by the Minister. The heads of the main directorates will participate in a meetings-based forum to discuss opportunities with international operators and suppliers to implement the Ministry's four year plan to modernise procurement.

Director Generals for the main procurement and planning directorates will be present. These will include:

- Kimadia (state drugs marketing company), responsible for the importation of Iraq's key healthcare requirements including pharmaceuticals, medical and laboratory equipment, ambulance and mobile health services, healthcare appliances and engineering services
- Directorate for Projects & Engineering Services, responsible for maintenance and the building of new hospitals and clinics
- Directorate for Medical Operations and Specialised Services
- Directorate for Public Health and Primary Healthcare
- Directorate for Popular Clinics
- Directorate for Planning and Resource Development
- Medical City Directorate

Iraq's Ministry of Health has identified the following immediate target areas for the health system:

- Addressing shortages in medicine and urgent supplies
- Upgrading emergency services including obstetric care
- Increasing immunisation coverage
- Upgrading blood transfusion services
- Improving communications and investment in information systems
- Reorganising the pharmaceutical sector
- Strengthening disease surveillance
- Intensifying communicable disease control activities
- Meeting urgent rehabilitation needs
- Investing in training and human resource development

The Iraq Development Program is now in its fifth year of organising meetings-based summits that have gathered over 7,000 international delegates and over 550 Iraqi government officials. The format is aimed at ensuring participating companies have the opportunity to enter into bilateral and contractual discussions with ministries, with half the time devoted to speeches and presentations and the other half to private meetings.

Prior to the summit, confirmed sponsors and delegates will be given a choice of preferred prescheduled meetings. Limited sponsorship opportunities and tabletop presentations will be available.