German, American investments at the forefront of Iraq's healthcare rebuilding efforts

For one thing Iraq's Prime Minister has outlined plans to restructure and corporatise state-owned enterprises. A move which is backed by the $250 to $275bn earmarked by the Iraqi government for infrastructural investments over the next five years—a substantial share of which is dedicated to promote private sector involvement in healthcare facilities, pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing.

Germany is spearheading this movement, by capitalising on healthcare opportunities encouraged by the Iraqi government. With bilateral co-operation between Germany and Iraq intensifying, the German Federal Ministry of Health will be sending a high level delegation to attend the Iraq Health Summit, which is organised by French business information group Naseba.

Headed by Ortwin Schulte, Head of the General European and International Health Policy Planning, Federal Ministry of Health Germany, the delegation will share their sector expertise and facilitate mutual business opportunities.

Taking place on March 10th and 11th in Erbil, this business initiative is endorsed by the Minister of Health Iraq, HE Dr Majeed Hamad Amin. Dr Sami Al Araji, Chairman of National Investment Commission and Dr Herish Muharam, Chairman of Kurdistan Board of investment , will address the national investment strategies and needs to build a modern republic of Iraq.

In addition, an American delegation is attending to raise awareness of healthcare business opportunities in Iraq for US health companies. Insurance giant Aetna is among the various American companies which will be attending.

There will also be a strong international presence at the initiative, including a Chinese delegation represented by Dirui, Coloplast of Denmark, Masimo from Switzerland, Dar Al Dawa of Jordan and Saudi Arabia's Al Mohanad Medical Establishment.

"There is great potential for private sector investment in developing healthcare systems in Iraq. These opportunities are sustainable over the long-­‐term and adequately allow effective management of Ministry of Health resources as well as management of broader public health issues. Iraq lacks a lot of essential equipment in its hospital and clinical facilities, which will require years of investment to address. We believe this initiative is the start of new era in Iraq's healthcare sector," enthused Fabien Faure, Naseba Healthcare Series Director.