Iraq Health Summit provides new direction for Iraq's health system

Held under the Minister of Health, HE Dr Saleh Al-Hasnawi, the summit demonstrates Iraq's determination to restore its health system to its previous position as a world leader, following a substantial increase in central government budgets.

Plans have already been revealed for complete modernisation of the health system, including the expansion of healthcare facilities, investment in high quality equipment, an extensive procurement programme and advances in facility management and human resource development.

Senior decison makers from the Iraqi Ministry of Health 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.

The Minister has shown his determination to achieve these objectives and has committed a delegation of around 30 senior Iraqi officials that will include the following departments:

• State Drugs Marketing Company (Kimadia)
• Directorate for Projects & Engineering Services
• Directorate for Medical Operations & Specialised Services
• Directorate for Public Health & Primary Healthcare
• Directorate for Planning & Resource Development

The Ministry 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

HE Dr Al-Hasnawi has firmly expressed his desire to meet with the international health community to discuss the development of the sector in Iraq and how best to provide the best medical services for the Iraqi people.