Guidance

Country policy and information note: medical and healthcare issues, Iraq, August 2024 (accessible)

Updated 27 August 2024

Version 3.0

Country information

About the country information

This note has been compiled by the Country Policy and Information Team (CPIT), Home Office.

It provides country of origin information (COI) for Home Office decision makers handling cases where a person claims that removing them from the UK would be a breach of Articles 3 and/or 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) because of an ongoing health condition. It contains publicly available or disclosable COI which has been gathered, collated and analysed in line with the research methodology.

The note aims to be a comprehensive but not exhaustive survey of healthcare in Iraq.

The note’s structure and content follow the terms of reference.

For general guidance on considering claims based on a breach of Article 3 and/or 8 of the ECHR because of an ongoing health condition, see the instruction on Human rights claims on medical grounds.

This note makes use of information compiled by Project MedCOI (MedCOI), which was set up and operated by the Belgium and Netherlands immigration authorities until 31 December 2020. Thereafter MedCOI was run by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), formerly known as the European Asylum Support Office (EASO).

MedCOI’s information gathering and quality assurance processes remain unchanged since December 2020 when the UK Home Office’s access stopped.

The EUAA website explains how the project currently operates:

‘EUAA MedCOI relies on a worldwide network of medical experts that provides up-to-date medical information in countries of origin. Based on this information and combined with desk research, the EUAA produces responses to individual requests from EU+ countries and maintains a portal with a specific database where the information can be found. The portal also allows for the continuous exchange of information between countries, and between countries and the EUAA. The database is only accessible to trained personnel in EUAA and the EU+ countries’ relevant administrations…The high quality and medical accuracy of the information is guaranteed by specifically trained medical advisors and research experts who also provide guidance to the users of the portal.

‘EUAA MedCOI is continuously subject to internal and external quality assurance activities such as validations, audits, and peer reviews.’^{[footnote 1]}

The UK Home Office’s access to MedCOI ended on 31 December 2020. However, copies of all MedCOI documents referred to in this note have been retained and are available on request.

1. The healthcare system

1.1 Organisation of the healthcare system

1.1.1 The People’s Dispatch, an international news media outlet^{[footnote 2]}, article, ‘Iraqi health system struggles to recover after three decades of setbacks’, dated 14 August 2023, stated:

‘During the 1970s and 1980s, Iraq’s primary care-based health system was recognized as one of the best in the region. Two decades after the US-led invasion, it is in ruins, scarred by decades of war and economic sanctions. Health services in Iraq remain unevenly distributed and burdened by a critical shortage of health workers, infrastructure, and supplies…

‘This situation is aggravated by long gaps in constructing new health infrastructure. According to a 2013 review of health services in the country, over 50% of the hospitals in Iraq were constructed during the 1970s and 1980s. A report published six years later by Riyadh Lafta and Maha Al-Nuaimi highlighted that no public hospital was built in Iraq between 1986 and 2019, the time when the article was published.

‘Muntather Hassan, the author of a report on the right to health in Iraq published in the Arab Watch Report 2023, offers a similar description of the situation. He explains that health facilities in Iraq are concentrated in areas built during the 1970s and 1980s. The neighborhoods and areas which were populated afterwards are confronted with a different reality…

‘Inequalities are not limited to the physical distribution of health facilities. “For example, in the smaller cities, the number of public and private hospitals is somewhere in correlation with the number of people. But the quality is something that needs to be discussed,” Hassan says.

‘Access to health care is particularly problematic in rural areas. Hassan highlights the absence of health services and the challenge this poses to people living in villages scattered across 10 to 15 kilometers, often sharing a single, ill-equipped health center. For them, accessing health care represents a feat.’^{[footnote 3]}

1.1.2 The same source also stated:

‘While primary healthcare remains weakened, the private sector has expanded significantly over the past decade, with notable growth in niche areas such as cosmetic medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Hassan sees laboratories marketing tests directly to individuals, a practice he compares to promoting a product, as something quite specific to Iraq. The tests provided through this strategy might be of extremely limited use to the people, but they have proven to be a good way to increase profits. In most cases, they cost less than other medical procedures, making them an easy path to earnings.’^{[footnote 4]}

1.1.3 The International Organisation for Migration Germany (IOMG) report, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, stated:

‘The Iraqi health system consists of both private and public sector facilities. In general, the services provided by the private sector may be better in quality with fewer waiting times but could be more expensive. The public hospitals and clinics charge a minimal cost for medical check-ups and provide medication at a lower price compared to the private sector. However, not all health services are available in the public sector and there may be waiting times particularly in larger cities or for certain specializations. Most of the infrastructure has been rehabilitated, and the availability of services has been enhanced. However, in the recently liberated areas, the infrastructure might still be affected. The quality of care depends on whether the health infrastructure has been rehabilitated and restored, and doctors and nurses have returned.’^{[footnote 5]}

1.2 Provision of healthcare

1.2.1 The Australian government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) 2023 Country Information Report on Iraq stated:

‘The overall quality and availability of healthcare in Iraq is low. There is a nationwide shortage of doctors and nurses, a situation made worse by prolonged conflict and a long-term brain-drain of medical professionals. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the primary health care provider. Chronic underinvestment and corruption have undermined its capacity to deliver quality healthcare. Waiting lists are long and hospitals often lack essential supplies such as cancer drugs. Iraqis who can afford to use private hospitals and clinics prefer them but, because private health insurance is unavailable, this can be expensive. The quality and availability of healthcare is slightly better in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI).’^{[footnote 6]}

1.3 Health insurance

1.3.1 The Physicians for Human Rights article, ‘Challenges Faced by the Iraqi Health Sector in Responding to COVID-19’, dated 6 April 2021, stated:

‘For Iraqis, accessing public medical care is inexpensive. However, the quality of care is so substandard that many resort to private medical care if they have the financial means to do so. Because there is no private health insurance, the average Iraqi covers about 70 percent of their out-of-pocket health expenditures, making quality health care an expensive proposition for most people.’^{[footnote 7]}

1.3.2 The Expat Arrivals website stated: ‘There is no formal private healthcare insurance system in Iraq. In some instances, wealthier Iraqis may pay out of pocket to receive speedier treatment at a public facility, or opt to go to a neighbouring country for treatment.’^{[footnote 8]}

1.3.3 The IOMG report, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, stated: ‘A public health insurance system is not available in the country. Certain companies and organizations may have private health insurance schemes that are provided to the employees and possibly their families. This type of health insurance is still not covering for all type of medical and health expenses…Medical costs and health services are not covered by health insurance. No expenses are covered by the health insurance.’^{[footnote 9]}

1.3.4 An article published by Al Tamimi and Co (law firm active in the Middle East and north Africa)^{[footnote 10]} stated:

‘The Health Insurance Law specifies three transitional phases for its entry into force. The first phase will conclude after twelve months from publication of the Health Insurance Law in the official gazette. Specifically, a public insurance provider, the “Health Commission” should be established in the Ministry of Health by 23 December 2021. The Health Insurance Law then requires the Health Commission to create and maintain a database of potential beneficiaries in the following categories:

• members of the General Federation of Employees’ Union;
• members of the General Federation Farmers Union;
• members of the unions who are not public employees;
• beneficiaries of the political prisoners’ institute and the Mayor’s institute;
• employees registered in the Ministry of Labour social security department;
• all other Iraqis, presumably to be clarified by regulations to be issued by the Ministry of Health.

‘Despite the above database, insurance coverage is only mandatory for government employees and foreign expat workers. The Health Insurance Law requires all resident foreign expats, visitors and arrivals to apply and obtain approved health insurance coverage from insurance providers contracted with the Insurance Commission.

‘The Health Insurance Law does not specify a timetable for completing the database or completing the other steps required before the public insurance programme can be rolled out. However, the Health Insurance Law specifies one year after completion of the database and other preparatory steps to roll out the programme, register all covered beneficiaries, conclude with private and public healthcare providers, and issue health insurance cards.’^{[footnote 11]}

1.4 Number of healthcare facilities and personnel

1.4.1 The Arab NGO Network for Development (ANGOND) and the American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences (AUBFHS) 2023 report, ‘Right to Health in Iraq – Fragile structures and growing challenges’, stated:

‘Iraq’s health policy and the Ministry of Health and Environment’s directives aim to provide comprehensive health coverage. Iraq has 295 governmental and 155 private hospitals, at a rate of 1.2 beds per thousand people, providing secondary and tertiary health services. As for primary health care, 2,805 centers…that provide regular care for children and pregnant women, including free vaccination, exist… Moreover, in 2019, a special budget was allocated for purchasing medicines, independent of the Health Ministry’s budget.’^{[footnote 12]}

1.4.2 The World Health Organisation (WHO) website stated that in 2021, there were 9.72 doctors per 10,000 of the population; 24.4 nursing and midwifery staff per 10,000 of the population; 4.32 dentists per 10,000 of the population, and 4.9 pharmacists per 10,000 population.^{[footnote 13]}

1.5 Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and other support

1.5.1 A number of national and international NGOs are active in Iraq, such as the Iraq Health Access Organisation^{[footnote 14]}, which provides primary healthcare services, Heevie^{[footnote 15]}, which provides healthcare services in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)^{[footnote 16]}, which provides a range of basic and secondary health services.

1.6 Availability of and accessibility to medical treatment and drugs

1.6.1 A 2022 medical research study, entitled ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, written by Nada Al Alwan, published on the Springer Link (science, technology, medicine, humanities and social sciences publisher website^{[footnote 17]}, stated: ‘Article 31 (1) of the Iraqi Constitution guarantees citizens the right to health care and commits the state to maintain public health freely through provision of prevention and treatment in hospitals and health institutions. Article 31 (2) guarantees individuals and entities the right to build hospitals, clinics, or private health care centers under state supervision.’^{[footnote 18]}

1.6.2 A Chatham House article, entitled ‘Moving medicine in Iraq: The political economy of the pharmaceutical trade’, dated 14 September 2022, stated:

‘Brand-name drugs – even tried, tested, and approved generics – can be too expensive in a country where wealth inequality is only growing. People on low incomes, or no income at all, are forced to use the cheapest alternative, despite knowing such medicines are also of inferior quality. Such social determinants of health become only more pronounced within this political economy of Iraq’s pharmaceutical trade, and the routes through which medicines pass across ostensibly sovereign Iraqi territory.’^{[footnote 19]}

1.6.3 The National (a United Arab Emirates media outlet^{[footnote 20]} report, ‘Iraq’s fragmented healthcare system “at the heart of the struggle to overcome war”’, dated 2 December 2022, stated:

‘Iraq’s corrupt healthcare system lies at the centre of the country’s failure to overcome conflict, an expert has said.

‘Citizens of the fifth oil-richest nation in the world struggle to access basic medicine and treatment for conditions and injuries under a network blighted by inadequacy and upheaval.

‘Medicine destined for public use too often ends up being sold for private profit in under-the-table deals in which the Iraqi upper-class benefits at the expense of the poor. What is left for the public health system is often unusable because it has expired or is not genuine.

‘War, UN sanctions, sectarian battles and the rise of ISIS [Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] have made for a lethal concoction of problems that have led to a years-long crisis in Iraq’s healthcare system…

‘Over the past decade, as Iraq has tried to rebuild, the government pumped more money into the healthcare system. Between 2003 and 2010 spending on health jumped from 2.7 per cent of GDP to 8.4 per cent, the World Bank said.

‘But the system is failing millions of Iraqis in dire need of medical care and the country spends far less on health than other Middle Eastern nations…

‘Foreign companies looking to ship medicine to Iraq face a long, drawn-out process. It entails gaining approval from local health representatives on Iraq’s border, which sometimes involves favouritism and political bias.

‘If the firm manages to gain approval, the process of getting the equipment into Iraq is not easy. Many end up paying bribes to border officials to have cargo pass through sea, land and air borders at a faster pace.’^{[footnote 21]}

1.6.4 The IOMG report, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, stated:

‘All Iraqi citizens can access the health care system…The Patient needs to visit a clinic or hospital first then based on the initial diagnosis, they will be asked to conduct some medical tests/analysis in order to see a specialized doctor that will be available in private clinics (very few are in public clinics which may take weeks to wait for an appointment). Then they can be referred to get more advance medical interventions, if needed, which also can be done through the private or public hospitals…

‘Costs of medical services are determined by numerous factors such as age, gender and residence. The costs of medication differ depending on the patient’s diagnosis. In government-run hospitals or clinics, there is a risk that medication is subject to shortages although should be available at a low cost.’^{[footnote 22]}

1.7 Emergency medical services

1.7.1 Faruk Medical City (FMC), built in 2014 in Sulaymaniyah (a city in the KRI), is ‘the first and only state of the art private hospital complex in Iraq’ and is ‘equipped with the most advanced technology and medical systems meeting global healthcare standards and facilities’^{[footnote 23]}. FMC can provide emergency medical services, as explained on its website:

‘Emergency Department (ED) is one of the vital departments of FMC due to its life saving services. The department of emergency is open 7 days a week including official holidays providing a wide range of high quality service provided by highly qualified and experienced physicians and nurses.

‘The ED is equipped with all necessary tools and equipment that enable health care providers to receive all types of accidents and injuries in addition to all urgent/emergent medical cases in all disciplines…

‘The emergency team include, emergency nurses, emergency reception staffs, patient services, porters, in addition to highly qualified emergency doctors with distinguished skill and competencies to provide the best medical services according to the best medical practice.

‘Emergency Services

• Triage room
• Resuscitation room
• Minor surgery room
• Medical observation room
• Pediatric room
• Gynecological examination room
• Ambulance service
• Ambulances

‘Our ambulances are specialized vehicles that fully equipped with necessary equipment and the ambulance service is available 24 hours a day for emergency situation, such as critical cases, accidents and transferring patients from and to FMC. This services provide by highly qualified and experienced medical team in 24 hours around clock.’^{[footnote 24]}

1.7.2 CPIT was not able to find information about what emergency medical-care services are available throughout Iraq in the public healthcare sector, in the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

2. Paediatric diseases and healthcare

2.1 Paediatric hospital care services

2.1.1 A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) article, entitled ‘Doctors in the spotlight: Saving lives and reviving Iraq’s health system’, dated 18 October 2023, stated:

‘Dr. Muhannad Shaker Al Fahdawi started as a young resident doctor at Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Women and Children…

‘Today, Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Women and Children has upgraded operating theatres, labor wards, 260-bed patient wards, laboratories, teaching halls, and staff accommodation. It also has modern medical equipment for maternal and natal care, testing, complex surgeries, and screening.

‘“…With operating rooms and equipment for maternal and pediatric surgeries, we are able to perform life-saving surgeries and provide a wide range of services for women and children,” Dr. Muhannad says.’^{[footnote 25]}

2.1.2 The Children’s Village (American NGO that provides help and support to disadvantaged children)^{[footnote 26]} website provided information about its paediatric care services in Iraq:

‘Our medical clinics developed in close partnership with the Iraqi Children’s Foundation (ICF) and the Iraq Health Access Organization (IHAO), specialize in providing healthcare to children and families with disabilities in Mosul, Fallujah, and Baghdad. Hundreds of Iraqis receive crucial medical care at these facilities each year. Their treatment ranges from limb amputations to medicine for chronic illnesses to support for intellectual or developmental disabilities. Many of our children are directly or indirectly related to patients living within a conflict zone.

‘In addition to ongoing medical care, these clinics provide physical therapy, access to wheelchairs and medical devices, psychosocial support groups for clients and their families, and hygiene kits designed to support an individual’s health outside of the center.’^{[footnote 27]}

2.1.3 The WHO report, ‘New paediatric unit opens its doors for newborns and children in Akre Paediatric and Maternity Hospital in Duhok Governorate’, dated 14 September 2022, stated:

‘The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Directorate of Health in Duhok Governorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, today [14 September 2022] inaugurated a new paediatric department in Akre Hospital.

‘With the opening of this department, the hospital becomes the only facility in the city to offer specialized services to children and newborns.

‘The new unit will provide the population of Akre with support to address the increasing need for neonatal and paediatric health care services in Akre and surrounding districts, including Bardarash, which is home to 3,500 Syrian refugees.

‘The new department comprises 28 beds equipped with emergency care supplies and medical equipment, enabling the hospital to provide intensive care treatment to newborns and children. To further improve the quality of care in the department, advanced training sessions to enhance the technical capacity of the health staff working in it are being carried out as a collaboration between WHO, the Directorate of Health in Duhok Governorate and the Italian Association for Solidarity Among People (AISPO).’^{[footnote 28]}

2.2 Paediatric cardiology and heart surgery

2.2.1 In July 2023, the International Journal of Surgery published a medical study entitled ‘The evolution of congenital heart disease surgeries in Iraq’, which stated:

‘On November 9, 2011, the cardiovascular surgery division was launched at the Azadi Heart Center in Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq…This well-equipped Cardiac Care Unit with a trained team provided the Center with the capabilities to handle complex cardiac cases…The team has successfully operated on several complicated patients, including a low-weight child with an aortopulmonary window who had pulmonary blood pressure close to systemic pressure.

‘A new era begins after 2020 when the local team at Azadi Heart Center in Duhok (cardiothoracic surgeons, pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, intensive care unit staff, and nurses, etc.) were proficient enough to handle the majority of congenital cardiac cases. The operations were either corrective surgery or palliative surgery for both cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disorders…

‘The following complex operations were done recently in the center; Cone Repair of tricuspid valve, Ebstein’s anomaly for a lady in her second decade, Rose procedure for severe aortic stenosis in an infant, and Senning procedure to treat transposition of the great arteries in a 1-year-old male baby.’^{[footnote 29]}

2.3 Paediatric cancer treatment

2.3.1 The Nada Al Awan medical research study paper stated:

‘In 2010, the first “Children Cancer Hospital” in Iraq was opened in Basra as the largest state of the art referral specialty care facility. It includes 101 beds, imaging department with MRI, automated laboratories and oncology departments provided with linear accelerators. Within the MCTC [Medical City Teaching Complex] in Baghdad, the 240 bed “Children’s Welfare Hospital” offers public services by a competent specialized multi-disciplinary team for diagnosis and treatment of childhood neoplasms. The oncology unit receives an average of 300 new malignant cases per year. Improvement in childhood cancer services was achieved over the past two decades through better availability of WHO essential chemotherapy drugs, introduction of advanced diagnostic/screening tools and bone marrow transplant services, provision  of satellite telemedicine e-learning training program…, in collaboration with Sapienza University in Rome, fostering consultation and quality control, using Tele-Pathology, introduction of ATRA [all-trans retinoic acid], adapted APL [acute promyelocytic leukaemia] protocols, [and] strengthening research in coordination with Japanese institutes…’^{[footnote 30]}

2.3.2 The Basra Children’s Hospital has facilities to treat children with cancer:

‘Inaugurated in 2010, the Basrah Children’s Hospital, the first hospital to be built in Iraq since the 1980s, provides Basra and the southern governorates of Iraq with a wide range of healthcare services dedicated to the care of acute paediatric patients with a particular focus on oncology.

‘The hospital occupies a central area of 16,000 sqm which is easily accessible from the different districts of Basra and accommodates a total of 101 beds.’^{[footnote 31]}

2.4 Paediatric nephrology (kidney disease)

2.4.1 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for paediatric kidney diseases in the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3. Cancer

3.1 General

3.1.1 The Nada Al Alwan medical research study on cancer stated:

‘The Iraqi Cancer Board of the Ministry of Health is responsible for implementing the National Cancer Control Plan (NCCP). The latest Iraqi Cancer Registry revealed that the top recorded malignancies among the population are the breast, bronchus, and lungs followed by colorectal cancers, whereas the most common causes of malignant related deaths are cancers of the bronchus and lungs, breast, and leukemia. Overall, there are over 40 public cancer care facilities distributed among the governorates.’^{[footnote 32]}

3.1.2 The same source also stated:

‘Excluding the private sector, the whole spectrum of cancer care services (including diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, other relevant drugs, and medical appliances) is being provided by [the] MOH [Ministry of Health] freely without any charges in specialized oncology hospitals and cancer centers…Currently, MOH is collaborating with the private sector to cover the requested cancer care specifically in the field of treatment.’^{[footnote 33]}

3.2 MRI and CT scanning machines

3.2.1 The Nada Al Alwan medical research study on cancer stated:

‘It has been registered in 2019 that there are 152 Computed Tomography (CT) scans and 90 Magnetic Resonance Imagining (MRI) machines, constituting 3.9 and 2.3/100,000 population, respectively. Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography (PET/CT) is available in the Medical City Teaching Hospital and in private oncology centers in Baghdad, Najaf, and Erbil. There are five Gamma Cameras in Baghdad and Gamma knife procedures are readily practiced in Erbil. Excluding Baghdad and Erbil, there is very limited access to nuclear medicine diagnostic and treatment facilities.’^{[footnote 34]}

3.3  Radiation therapy

3.3.1 The Nada Al Alwan medical research study on cancer stated:

‘Oncology care is provided through specialized oncology and radiotherapy hospitals. Clinical oncologists are licensed by the Ministry of Health to perform chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It has been recorded that out of 11,585 specialized physicians in Iraq, there were 128 medical or radiation oncologists. Excluding KRG [the Kurdistan Region], 72 medical oncologists and 58 radiation oncologists have been officially registered at the present time in the Iraqi MOH, whereas 75 postgraduate medical students are completing their board-certified studies in oncology and radiotherapy. In addition, there are 42 oncology physicians currently running the cancer care facilities in KRG. Nevertheless, the total number in most governorates is still lower than that requested to reach a coverage rate of 80% and is obviously far less than the international recommendations on oncology consultant staffing. This shortage emphasized the urgent need for the MOH and MOHESR [Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research] in Iraq to invest in qualifying human resources in all aspects of cancer care.’^{[footnote 35]}

3.2.2 The same source also stated:

‘Progress in radiation oncology has been proceeding in Iraq through continuous establishment of specialized centers and rehabilitation of the staff. Within the past 5 years, national societies for radiation/clinical oncology and medical physics have been established. Currently, there are 21 Mega Voltage Machines in Iraq, six in Baghdad. A high dose rate Brachytherapy has been functioning in Zhianawa Cancer Center. The directory of Radiotherapy Centers has revealed the registered public oncology facilities within the corresponding governorates:

‘Baghdad: Al-Amal National Oncology Hospital, Kadhimiya Teaching Hospital, and Medical City Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Center

‘Babylon: Babylon Oncology Center, Marjan Hospital, and Al Imam Jaafar al-Sadeq Hospital

‘Basra: Children Specialist Hospital, Educational Oncology Centre, and Basra Hospital

‘Erbil: Rizgary Teaching Hospital—Oncology Center

‘Karbala: Holy Karbala Hospital

‘Maysan: Al Maysan Hospital and Maysan Oncology Center

‘Mosul: Hazim Al-Hatiz Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine Hospital

‘Holy Najaf: Al Najaf Hospital, Oncology Specialists Centre, and Middle Euphrates Cancer Centre

‘Dhi Qar: Al Naseriya Hospital

‘Al-Anbar: AlRamadi Hospital and Ramady General Hospital

‘Sulaimaniya: Zhianawa Cancer Center and Hiwa Cancer Hospital.’^{[footnote 36]}

3.4 Availability of anti-cancer drugs

The Nada Al Alwan medical research study on cancer stated:

‘The MOH imports cancer drugs and medical equipment through the “State Company for Marketing Drugs and Medical Appliance” (KIMADIA) and distributes throughout all governorates, where chemotherapy is administered at specialized public tertiary hospitals and cancer centers free of charge. As the provision of affordable access to cytotoxic medicine is a major challenge in the cancer care of patients in middle- and low-resource settings, WHO developed its “Model Lists of Essential Medicines,” to support countries in prioritizing their reimbursable medicine. Within the past decades, many of the essential cancer drugs were in short supply in Iraq. The situation improved recently when the government increased the allocated budget to the MOH. The UICC [Union for International Cancer Control] declared that Iraq has made progress towards achieving the world cancer control targets through improving the free access to accurate diagnosis and multimodal treatment of cancer, adding that almost 80% of the treatment protocols are covered and the waiting lists for radiotherapy in the cancer centers have been significantly shortened.’^{[footnote 37]}

3.5 Surgery

3.5.1 The Nada Al Alwan medical research study on cancer stated: ‘Cancer patients receive surgical treatment by specialized surgeons, following international guidelines, in tertiary public hospitals and private centers. Robotic surgery has not been commonly practiced in Iraq yet. Postgraduate studies in the fields of surgical oncology have been initiated within the past few years by the Arab and Iraqi Boards for Health and Medical Specializations.’^{[footnote 38]}

3.6 Lung cancer

3.5.2 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for lung cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.7 Breast cancer

3.7.1 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for breast cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.8 Brain cancer

3.8.1 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for brain cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.9 Liver cancer

3.9 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for liver cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.10 Cervical cancer

3.10 The World Health Organisation (WHO) 2021 Cervical cancer country profile stated that Iraq did not have a national cervical cancer screening programme in 2021. Cancer diagnosis and treatment services for women with cervical cancer were generally available in 2021, including pathology services, cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy^{[footnote 39]}.

3.1 1 Cancer of the head and neck

3.11 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for cancer of the head and neck, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.12 Thoracic surgery

3.12 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of thoracic surgery, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.13 Gastroenterological cancers

3.13 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for gastroenterological cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.14 Bone and skin cancers

3.14 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for bone and skin cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.15 Colorectal cancers

3.15 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for colorectal cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.16 Blood cancers

3.16 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for blood cancer, from the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

3.17 Urological cancers

3.17 The Cancer Care Specialties (MENA) website stated:

‘Urological oncology, a specialized field within medicine, focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers affecting the urinary tract and male reproductive system. In Iraq, urological oncology has witnessed significant advancements, with renowned medical centers and skilled specialists offering comprehensive care for patients battling these malignancies.

‘Iraq boasts specialized urological oncology centers equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities. These centers provide a comprehensive approach to cancer care, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support services…

‘Treatment for urological cancers depends on the type, stage, and extent of the cancer. Common treatment modalities include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. Advancements in surgical techniques, such as minimally invasive procedures, have reduced surgical trauma and improved recovery times…

‘The fight against urological cancers in Iraq is gaining momentum with the establishment of specialized centers, the expertise of multidisciplinary teams, and advancements in treatment modalities. Early detection, comprehensive care, and psychosocial support are crucial elements in improving outcomes and empowering patients to navigate their cancer journey with strength and resilience.’^{[footnote 40]}

3.17.2 CPIT was unable to find information regarding where the urological oncology centres are located in Iraq, in the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

4. Cardiovascular diseases

4.1 Cardiology

4.1.1 A European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA) MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated there were cardiologists and facilities in Iraq to treat people who needed cardiac catheterisation, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), heart valve surgery, left ventricular assist devices, for example at the Ibn Al-Bittar Specialist Hospital in Baghdad.^{[footnote 41]}

4.1.2 The Faruk Medical City facility, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has the facilities to treat people with heart conditions, and can provide the following tests and treatment, as stated on its website:

‘Electrocardiography (ECG)

Echocardiography

Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE)

Treadmill Test

Rhythm Holter Monitoring

Blood Pressure Holter Monitoring

Coronary Angiography

Coronary angioplasy and stenting

Complex coronary interventions

TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation)

Temporary pacemaker

Permanent pacemaker

ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)

CRT-D (Biventricular Pacemaker Placement)

Electrophysiological Study

RF ablation

Mitral balloon valvuloplasty

Septal ablation

Atrial Septal Defect/Ventricular Septal Defect/Patent Foramen Ovale closure

Coronary arteriovenous fistula closure

Angioplasty for fistula stenosis of haemodialysis patients

Peripheral vascular interventions

Carotid stenting

Subclavian stenting

Renal vascular stenting

Venous stenting

Mesenteric artery stenting

Endovascular repair of aortic aneurism (EVAR)

Lower extremity pecutaneous transluminal angioplasy, atherectomy, stenting.’^{[footnote 42]}

4.1.3 The PAR Hospital in Erbil is a private hospital whose website states that it is ‘one of the finest medical institutions in Kurdistan’^{[footnote 43]} which ‘utilizes the most advanced medical technology in its state-of-the-art medical and surgical care facilities’.^{[footnote 44]} The Cardio Thoracic Centre at hospital can provide cardiological medical care, as stated on its website:

‘The Cardio Thoracic Center at the PAR Hospital Erbil is a regional center of excellence for cardiac and thoracic care, providing standards of care to patient in Iraq and the region. The center is capable of treating all type of cardiac conditions including interventional cardiology and surgery.

‘The center is one of select group of medical centers worldwide, and among the few private healthcare institution in the region, capable of undertaking advanced interventional and surgical procedures, such as minimally invasive cardiac surgery, thoracic surgery and VAT (video-assisted thoracoscopy). State of the art heart valve repair and advanced aortic arch procedures are further high lights to be provided by the cardio thoracic center.’^{[footnote 45]}

4.2 Drugs used to treat heart-rhythm disorders

4.2.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to  an information request stated that the following drugs (used to treat heart rhythm disorders) were available, for example at the Fawzi Pharmacy in Baghdad:

• Digoxin
• Diltiazem
• Metoprolol
• Sotalol^{[footnote 46]}

4.3 Drugs used to high blood pressure and cholesterol levels

4.3.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that eplerenone (used to treat high blood pressure) was available, for example at the pharmacy of the Baghdad Teaching Hospital^{[footnote 47]}. EUAA MedCOI 2020 responses to information requests stated that the following drugs (used to treat high blood pressure) were available, for example at the Dawa Pharmacy in Baghdad:

• Perindopril^{[footnote 48]}
• Lisinopril^{[footnote 49]}
• Carvedilol^{[footnote 50]}
• Bisoprolol^{[footnote 51]}
• Propranolol^{[footnote 52]}
• Bumetanide^{[footnote 53]}
• Spironolactone^{[footnote 54]}
• Atenolol^{[footnote 55]}
• Metoprolol^{[footnote 56]}
• Nebivolol^{[footnote 57]}

4.3.2 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that the following drugs (use to lower cholesterol levels) were available, for example at the Dawa Pharmacy in Baghdad:

• Pravastatin
• Simvastatin^{[footnote 58]}

4.4 Drugs used to treat blood clots

4.4.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that acenocoumarol (anti-clotting drug) was available, for example at the Dawa Pharmacy in Baghdad^{[footnote 59]}. Another EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that the following anti-clotting drugs were available:

• Aspirin (Ibn Rushid Hospital, Baghdad)
• Ticagrelor (Ibn Rushid Hospital, Baghdad)
• Clopidogrel (Dawa Pharmacy, Baghdad)
• Prasugrel (Dawa Pharmacy, Baghdad)
• Ticlopidine (Dawa Pharmacy, Baghdad)^{[footnote 60]}

4.5 Heart surgery

4.5.1 A United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report on Iraq, entitled ‘New Cardiac Surgery Centre at Al Salam Hospital gives hope to thousands’, dated 18 August 2021, stated:

‘Supporting the health care system build back, UNDP is rehabilitating eight major health care institutions in Mosul. As a part of these larger efforts, the Cardiac Surgery Centre at Al Salam Hospital was recently established to provide much-needed medical treatment with cardiology diseases such as heart failure, coronary artery diseases and strokes…

‘Today, the center performs complex open and close heart surgeries. UNDP supported the establishment of two inpatient wards with eight beds each, an administration office, two fully equipped operation theaters, a recovery room, and an intensive care unit. The center has a dedicated team of six doctors, four surgeons, two anesthesiologists and more than 50 administrative staff, serving 30,000 Iraqis in Ninewa.’^{[footnote 61]}

4.5.2 Another UNDP report, entitled ‘Doctors in the spotlight: Saving lives and reviving Iraq’s health system’ dated 18 October 2023, also commented on Al Salam Hospital in Mosul:

‘With 25 years of experience in the field of cardiac surgery, Dr. Ammar Abdel Salam Hamed has witnessed the triumphs and trials of Iraq’s healthcare system. A man with a mission, Dr. Ammar remains committed to providing the best medical care possible to the people of Mosul. 

‘Dr. Ammar has been overseeing Al Salam Hospital’s Department of Cardiac Surgery since its establishment in 2020. Although relatively new, the facility has become a vital hub for cardiac care in the region.   

‘“The cardiac centre provides much-needed care to those with heart conditions in a city where such facilities are scarce. There is no other hospital in the health directorate that is equipped to handle the complex procedures we do. This centre fills that void and gives hope to those in need,” Dr. Ammar says. 

‘Dr. Ammar and his team perform an average of 20-22 surgeries per month. With more families returning home and the prevalence of heart disease increasing, there is a growing demand for these cardiac services. To meet this growing need, Dr. Ammar envisions the establishment of more cardiac centres like Al Salam’s, ensuring that every Iraqi has access to this specialized service…

‘The Cardiac Centre at Al Salam Hospital was established with generous support from the European Union, Netherlands, and Norway. It serves over 30,000 people in Ninewa.’^{[footnote 62]}

5. Dental treatment and conditions

5.1.1 The University of Kerbala Dental Clinic has facilities to treat people with a wide range of dental and oral conditions, as explained on its website:

‘The dental clinic at the University of Kerbala is recognized as one of the prominent medical facilities in the city. It offers comprehensive treatment for various oral diseases and dental issues…

‘The clinic is managed by a team of highly experienced dentists and dental technicians who strive to provide exceptional care to patients. Working collaboratively, they diagnose and treat a wide range of oral health problems, from routine procedures like dental cleaning and filling to more complex ones such as teeth implants and jaw surgeries.

‘Equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and tools, the dental clinic at the University of Kerbala ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of oral conditions. The staff strictly adheres to hygiene and safety standards, creating an optimal environment for patients.

‘Moreover, the clinic actively participates in raising awareness about oral hygiene by offering tips and advice to patients for proper oral care. The staff also engages in community campaigns to promote public awareness about oral hygiene and care…

‘To sum up, the Dental Clinic at the University of Kerbala represents a leading center for oral healthcare in the region. It provides high-quality services and promotes health awareness among patients and the local community. With its specialized team and advanced equipment, the clinic meets patients’ needs and strives to maintain oral health, improve dental care, and enhance the quality of life for the community.’^{[footnote 63]}

5.1.2 The Denta Dental Clinic in Erbil states on its website that it can provide the following treatment:

• Laminated veneers
• Tooth-coloured fillings
• Crowns and bridges
• Inlays and onlays
• Braces
• Teeth whitening
• Dental implants
• Dentures and maxillofacial prosthesis
• Laser surgery^{[footnote 64]}

5.1.3 The Dentistry Clinic of the University of Alkafeel (located in Najaf^{[footnote 65]}) provides a wide range of dental treatment, as explained on its website:

‘A number of professors, experienced dentists, supervisors, teaching assistants, employees and workers responsible for certain services work in the clinics, in addition to service and security workers…

‘The work in the clinic is divided into several clinics:

• Surgery clinic (extractions and various surgical procedures)
• Healing and treatment clinic (fillings and root fillings)
• Pediatric clinic (treatment of children and primary teeth and preventive procedures)
• Orthodontic clinic (diagnostics and treatment with orthodontic appliances)
• Industrial Clinic (Full and Partial Denture Fabrication)
• Oral medicine clinic (diagnosing various conditions and prescribing appropriate medications)
• Periodontal clinic (various periodontal treatments).’^{[footnote 66]}

6. Diabetes

6.1.1 Mohammed Abusaib, Mazyar Ahmed, Hussein Ali Nwayyir, et al, wrote a 2020 study entitled ‘Iraqi Experts Consensus on the Management of Type 2 Diabetes/Prediabetes in Adults’, published on PubMed Central (free full-text archive of biomedical and life sciences journal literature^{[footnote 67]}). The study stated that metformin, glibenclamide and insulin (drugs used to control blood sugar levels) were available in Iraq.^{[footnote 68]}

6.1.2 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that HbA1C tests (used to test blood sugar levels) could be carried out at the Al Diwaneya Teaching Hospital in Diwaneya, Al-Qadisiyyah governorate. Laboratory research of kidney function could also be carried out at the Al Diwaneya Teaching Hospital.^{[footnote 69]}

6.1.3 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that dapagliflozin, gliclazide, glibenclamide, and glimepiride (used to lower blood sugar levels) were available at the Al Namothajya Pharmacy in Diwaneya.^{[footnote 70]}

7. Ear, nose and throat conditions (ENT)

7.1.1 The Faruk Medical City facility, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has facilities to treat people with a wide range of ENT conditions, as explained on its website:

‘The ENT and skull base surgery specialist works with a neurosurgeon and a surgical technician as a team to perform all skull base surgeries, whether it is anterior skull base or lateral skull base surgery…through the nose (rhinoscopy) to the anterior skull base, in addition to microscopic surgeries. Lateral skull base surgeries include, but are not limited to:

  ‘Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma), meningioma and petrous apex lesion

  ‘MVD [microvascular decompression]… jugular [sic] and tympanic paragangliomas, temporal bone resection in tumor cases, facial nerve injury repair

  ‘Endoscopic anterior skull base surgeries…

  ‘Functional endoscopic sinus surgery, turbinoplasty, and endoscopic septoplasty

  ‘Middle ear surgeries, including Stapedotomy and ossiculoplasty, myringoplasty, mastoid surgeries and atresia surgeries.

‘Cochlear implantation and rehabilitation

‘Endoscopic evaluation of nasal and sinus disorders

‘Otoplasty

‘Reconstructive and Aesthetic Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

‘Tonsillectomy and nasal adenoidectomy with the use of latest devices

‘Evaluation and treatment of snoring and sleep apnea

‘Coblator surgeries

‘Salivary Gland Surgery

‘Surgery of Tongue and Oral Cavity

‘Laryngeal carcinoma management, neck dissection, pharyngeal disease management, management of neck mass and vocal cord lesion management

‘Balance Disorders Assessment: including Vestibular Nystagmography (VNG), Spontaneous Nystagmus, Gaze, Smooth Pursuit, Saccade, Dix-Hallpike, Positional and Optokinetic Tests

‘Hearing Assessment: including Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA), Tympanometry with Reflexes, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), Auditory Brain Stem Response (ABR) and Auditory Steady State Response (ASSR).’^{[footnote 71]}

7.1.2 The Erbil International Hospital is a private hospital which describes itself as a ‘leading medical institution in Erbil’ with ‘state-of-the-art facilities’^{[footnote 72]}. The hospital has an ENT clinic that can deal with a wide range of ENT conditions, such as:

• Ear, nose and throat specialist surgery
• Otitis media balance problems
• Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
• Septoplasty, rhinoplasty, alarplasty
• Extra-corporal septoarhinoplasty, and blepharoplasty
• Otoplasty, reduction of ear lobule, removal of concha bullosa, removal of vocal cord nodule and small tumours^{[footnote 73]}

8. Epilepsy and other neurological conditions

8.1.1 The Faruk Medical City, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah has facilities to treat people with a wide range of neurological conditions, as explained on its website:

‘The Neurology Department at FMC; consists of:

‘Neurology Clinic; In which we provide a comprehensive individual evaluation and care of the full range of neurological conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, as well as Inpatient and Intensive care Departmeent [sic]; We can provide excellent care to patients with neurological conditions, including patients in critical conditions where we have a critical care unit with exemplary facilities to care for critically ill patients.

‘We also provide:

‘Radiology tests that are necessary for cases of the nervous system such as: magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic imaging of the veins, computed tomography of blood vessels, Doppler of the carotid artery and digital imaging of blood vessels

‘Neurophysiological examinations, which include (NCV, EEG and VEP)

‘Physiotherapy and rehabilitation.’^{[footnote 74]}

8.1.2 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that baclofen and tizanidine (used to treat dystonia) were available, for example at the Dawa Pharmacy in Baghdad.^{[footnote 75]}

9. Eye conditions and diseases

9.1.1 The English Medical Centre, a private eye hospital in Erbil^{[footnote 76]}, has facilities to provide the following eye-care treatment, as explained on its website:

‘Laser vision correction

Cataract surgery

Small incision, no stitch - no patch cataract surgery

Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus

Diabetic exams and laser treatment

Complete eye exams

Contact lens fitting

Glaucoma management with computerized testing

Complete optical shop on premises

Vetro-Retinal treatment and surgery

Oculoplastic surgery…

Keratoconus treatment and cross linking

Keratpplasty and corneal graft

ICL [implantable contact lenses].’^{[footnote 77]}

9.1.2 The Faruk Medical City, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has an Ophthalmology Department which can provide the following eye-care treatment:

• Diagnostics
• Refraction check up
• Ocular Tension Measurement
• Retinal examination by direct and indirect ophthalmoscope
• Refractive Surgeries
• Special room for Refractive Check up
• Corneal Mapping Topography…
• LASIK [Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis] and PRK [Photorefractive keratectomy]
• Cross-Linking
• Intracorneal rings and intacs
• Implantable Contact Lens procedure ICL
• Contact Lens Fitting…
• Cataract – Phacoemulsification with monofocal, toric or trifocal intraocular lens implant
• Glaucoma – trabeculectomy, Ahmad valve implant, I stent implant
• Corneal transplant
• Parsplana vitrectomy
• Oculoplastic surgery
• Strabismus surgery
• Dacryocystorhinostomy…’^{[footnote 78]}

9.1.3 The Ibn Al Haytham Eye Teaching Hospital in Baghdad has facilities to provide ophthalmic plastic surgery, treatment for strabismus, treatment for refractive errors, treatment for glaucoma, and retinal and vitreous fluid resections.^{[footnote 79]}

10. Gastroenterology

The Faruk Medical City, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has facilities to treat people with gastroenterological conditions, as explained on its website:

‘The Endoscopy Unit at Faruk Medical City provides services to patients of various age groups in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Services provided are a wide range of gastrointestinal and hepatology examinations and procedures.

‘Our department works as a referral center for specialized gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound.

‘Diagnostic Services

• Diagnostic EGD [Esophagogastroduodenoscopy} and Biopsy
• Diagnostic Colonoscopy and Sigmoidoscopy and Biopsy
• Single Balloon Enteroscopy
• Capsule Endoscopy
• Radial and Linear Endoscopic Ultrasound
• Fine Needle Aspiration FNA
• Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
• Esophageal Function Test and Esophageal Manometry
• 24 hours pH/Impedance.
• Fibroscan for assessment of fibrosis of the liver.

‘Therapeutic Services

• EGD with Polypectomy
• Colonoscopy with Polypectomy
• Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)
• Esophageal Band Ligation
• Hemostatic Interventions
• Basket Retrieval of Biliary Stones, Pancreatic Stent Placement and Removal
• Esophageal, Duodenal Stenting
• Intragastric Balloon Placement and Removal
• PEG [Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy] Tube Placement and Removal
• Treatment of Esophageal, Colonic and Duodenal Dilatation.’^{[footnote 80]}

10.1.2 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that lactulose and macrogol (used to treat constipation) were available, for example at the Dawa Pharmacy in Baghdad.^{[footnote 81]}

10.1.3 The Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital in Baghdad has:

• 100 beds
• 4 operating theatres
• 4 therapeutic endoscopy/radiology theatres
• 4 endoscopy rooms for upper/lower gastrointestinal endoscopy
• Facilities for disinfections, video recording and digital links
• Specialized clinics for liver diseases, colon and small bowel diseases, hepato-biliary and pancreatic diseases
• X-ray and ultrasound department with interventional activities^{[footnote 82]}

11. Gynaecology, maternity care and obstetrics

11.1.1 The Faruk Medical City, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has a gynaecological and obstetrics department which can provide women with a wide range of gynaecological and obstetric care, as explained on its website:

‘Obstetric Care

• Prenatal Check-up
• NIFTY [Non-invasive Fetal Trisomy] Test
• Fetal Non-Stress Test
• Post-Partum care
• High-risk Pregnancy Monitoring
• Recurrent Miscarriage Management

‘Gynecological Services

• Annual check-up
• Pap Smear test
• Contraception and Birth Control
• Menopause Management
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Management
• Diagnostic Colposcopy
• Simple cyst aspiration
• Cryo-cautery of cervix procedure.’^{[footnote 83]}

11.1.2 The UNDP report, ‘Improving Access to Maternal Care in Ramadi’, dated 9 September 2021, stated:

‘In early 2020, UNDP completed the large-scale rehabilitation of Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Women and Children. The work included rehabilitating operating theatres, labor wards, water, electrical systems, and doctor’s accommodation. The 260-bed modern medical facility serves over 400,000 women in Anbar with specialized maternity services…

‘The rehabilitation included significant parts of the hospital, such as the operating theatres, water piping, electrical systems, patient wards, and staff accommodation. UNDP also supplied medical equipment for natal care, testing, complex surgeries, and screening. Currently, the hospital serves over 6000 women every month. Of which, over 1,200 are complex cases and more than 600 are surgeries requiring intensive post-operative care…

‘As the only such facility in Anbar, the hospital serves women from areas such as Heet, Haditha, Anah, Rawa, and Al Qaim. They have over 1450 qualified medical and administrative staff to provide quality maternal care to patients.’^{[footnote 84]}

12. HIV/AIDS

12.1.1 A New Region (Iraqi news media outlet)^{[footnote 85]} report, entitled ‘Iraq’s AIDS infections surpass 2000; actual numbers likely higher’, dated 9 April 2024, stated:

‘Following diagnosis, AIDS patients in Iraq receive antiretroviral drugs and specialized treatments, alongside essential guidance to help them adjust to their new reality and manage the illness. They undergo regular monitoring, essential tests, and receive ongoing treatment to ensure their well-being…

‘Ali Abu al-Tahain, a member of the media support team for the Ministry of Health, allays fears regarding the potential surge in HIV/AIDS cases, refuting claims of an increase in Iraq’s recorded cases.

‘He underscored that “HIV/AIDS infections in Iraq remain under control, unlike the concerning trends observed in regions such as Africa, Central and South America, and Southeast Asia.”…

‘Despite government assurances regarding the limited number of recorded cases in the country, statistics from the Ministry of Health for 2021 revealed 392 reported cases and 21 fatalities. The figures for 2022 saw an increase, with 446 cases reported nationwide, excluding the Kurdistan region, where 33 deaths were recorded, including 9 females.’^{[footnote 86]}

12.1.2 A Shafaq News (Iraqi Kurdish news media outlet) report, entitled ‘AIDS Struggle: insights across Iraqi governorates’, dated 30 April 2024, stated:

‘In Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, periodic reports of AIDS cases continue to surface, underscoring ongoing concerns about the virus’s prevalence…

‘According to patients’ statements, Luay Abdul Amir, the Babil [governorate in central Iraq] health department’s media director, highlighted that many of these cases are associated with travel and visits to cosmetic and dental centers in Lebanon and other locations or the possibility of transmission through sexual contact.

‘Abdul Amir emphasized to Shafaq News agency that the situation does not indicate an epidemic, and there are no severe or escalating cases reported, reassuring the public that “treatment options are available at Al-Imam Al-Sadiq Teaching Hospital, and the health system is equipped to handle such cases effectively.”

‘Furthermore, Maher Al-Abboudi, the media official of Najaf Health Department, told our agency that AIDS is not absent from any governorate. However, he refrained from providing official statistics until the number of registered cases with Najaf health departments was confirmed…

‘Highlighting recent developments in Najaf, Al-Abboudi mentioned the inauguration of an immunodeficiency treatment center at Al-Amal Hospital approximately six months ago.

‘“This facility boasts a specialized doctor, a private laboratory, and a dental clinic dedicated to treating AIDS patients.”…

‘Moreover, the Ministry of Health in Iraqi Kurdistan announced in December 2023 that 72 new cases of AIDS were registered in the Kurdistan Region during 2023, with a primary concentration among foreigners.

‘In a statement released on World AIDS Day, the ministry highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken as part of the control program for 2023.

‘“These efforts included conducting 598,000 tests for HIV across various segments of the population. Specifically, testing was prioritized for foreigners before granting residency, before blood donation, marriage, and among employees in tourist areas. Additionally, tests were carried out for detainees, prisoners, thalassemia patients, and individuals with hepatitis.” The ministry said.’^{[footnote 87]}

13. Liver diseases

13.1 Liver disease

13.1.1 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of treatment for liver disease in the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

13.2 Liver transplants

13.2.1 CPIT was not able to find information about the availability of liver transplants in the sources consulted (see Bibliography).

14. Haematological conditions

14.1.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that haematologists were available, for example at the Baghdad Medical City Hospital in Baghdad.^{[footnote 88]}

15. Kidney diseases

15.1 Dialysis

15.1.1 The Farouk Medical City (FMC), a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has facilities to provide kidney dialysis, as explained on its website:

‘The FMC  Hemodialysis unit was established in 2015 and had provided service to more than thousands of patients since then. The unit comprises of three beds and three operational Fresenius 4008s Next Generation machines.

‘The unit regularly operates from eight in the morning to nine in the evening from Wednesday to Saturday but accommodates emergency cases beyond the operating hours and days. It offers comfortable and pleasant environment with air conditioning room; access to entertainment such as television; and access to food and drinks.

‘FMC Hemodialysis gears toward providing excellent services that promotes longevity of life and optimal care for patients with acute and chronic renal disease. We also strive to establish a trusting relationship with our patients together with their families and to empower them to take an active role on choosing their treatment. We make sure that our patient’s health and safety our top priority. To ensure these aims are being delivered, well-experienced registered nurses and nephrology residents are always present within the unit.’^{[footnote 89]}

15.1.2 A June 2021 article by Ala Ali, entitled, ‘Renal Transplantation in Iraq’, published by Transplantation (medical news journal)^{[footnote 90]}, obtained from the Lippincott website (publisher of medical and nursing research)^{[footnote 91]}, stated: ‘There are 35 hemodialysis centers with approximately 6000 patients on dialysis.’^{[footnote 92]}

15.1.3 The Erbil International Hospital, a private hospital in Erbil, can provide the following treatment services for people with kidney disease:

‘Erbil International Hospital’s Dialysis Centre provides specialised peritoneal and haemodialysis facilities for both inpatients and outpatients with chronic or acute chronic renal failure requiring treatment. This brand new state-of-the-art unit comprises of stations for regular dialysis treatments.

‘The focus of the centre is to provide quality clinical care and enhance the quality of life for our patients with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Our competent and caring team of nephrologists, dialysis nurses and dietitians offer patients a warm, friendly and safe environment.’^{[footnote 93]}

15.2 Kidney transplants

15.2.1 The June 2021 article by Ala Ali, entitled, ‘Renal Transplantation in Iraq’, stated:

‘Currently, 8 renal transplant units are active in Iraq…The largest governmental center is the Nephrology and Renal Transplantation Centre, Medical City in Baghdad. Renal transplants are also performed at another unit in Baghdad, 1 in Basra, and 3 in Kurdistan. An additional renal transplant center in the Holy City of Najaf has been active until 2009. Two units have recently been established in the city of Karbala, in hospitals supported by religious authorities helping with management, donor support, and financial assistance for patients in need.

‘Until December 31, 2019, approximately 5400 renal transplants have been performed in Iraq. Annual numbers have been increasing, and approximately 650 transplants have been performed in 2019.’^{[footnote 94]}

16. Thyroid and other endocrinological diseases

16.1.1 The Farouk Medical City (FMC), has facilities to provide treatment for people with thyroid and other endocrinological diseases, as explained on its website:

‘FMC Endocrine and Diabetes Clinic diagnoses and treats patients with the following Endocrine Systemic Diseases and Disorders:

• Thyroid diseases
• Metabolic disorders
• Pituitary conditions
• Sex and fertility disorders
• Parathyroid, calcium and bone conditions
• Condition of the adrenal gland
• Cholesterol (lipid) disorders
• Abnormal growth disorders (short and tall stature)
• Neuro-endocrine conditions…’^{[footnote 95]}

16.1.2 The Best Thyroid Centre in Baghdad has facilities to provide treatment for people with thyroid diseases, as explained on its website:

‘The Best Thyroid Center Baghdad is a comprehensive medical facility dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients with thyroid disorders. It is a beacon of hope for those seeking expert diagnosis, treatment, and management of thyroid conditions, ensuring optimal health and well-being…

‘The Best Thyroid Center Baghdad adopts a holistic approach to thyroid care, encompassing a range of services:

a) Comprehensive Diagnosis: The center utilizes advanced diagnostic technologies, including ultrasound, thyroid scans, and fine-needle aspiration biopsy, to accurately diagnose thyroid conditions.

b) Personalized Treatment Plans: A team of experienced endocrinologists and surgeons collaborate to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

c) Expertise in Thyroid Surgery: The center boasts skilled endocrine surgeons specializing in thyroidectomy, the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland.

d) Ongoing Management and Support: The center provides continuous monitoring and management of thyroid conditions, ensuring long-term health and well-being.’^{[footnote 96]}

17. Palliative care

17.1.1 A 2020 medical research study, written by Samaher Fadhil and Hasanein Ghali, entitled ‘The Current Situation of Palliative Care Services in Iraq’, published on the Springer Link website, stated: ‘At the time of writing this document, national palliative care programs have yet to be established in Iraq, and there is only limited data available on this subject aside from that of healthcare providers working in the field of oncology, and primarily in pediatric oncology.’^{[footnote 97]}

17.1.2 A December 2023 Bahrain Medical Bulletin (Vol 5, No 4) article, entitled ‘Effectiveness of Instructional Program on Nurses’ Knowledge Concerning Palliative and Supportive Care for old Adults with Heart Failure’, stated:

‘Palliative care improves the quality of life of patients and that of their families who are facing challenges associated with life-threatening illness, whether physical, psychological, social or spiritual. The quality of life of caregivers improves as well. The concept of palliative care among Iraqi people and patients is primitive; the majority of them have no idea what palliative care is about. As long as there is no national palliative care program most of the medical health care providers themselves are also not familiar with palliative care it is not more than a terminology they had read about during under and postgraduate course if this ever happened.’^{[footnote 98]}

18. Tuberculosis (TB) and other lung diseases

18.1.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that inpatient treatment by pulmonologists (lung disease specialists) was available, for example at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. Diagnostic testing of lung function was also available at private health facilities in Baghdad.^{[footnote 99]}

18.1.2 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that the following drugs, used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, were available, for example at the Baghdad Teaching Hospital:

• Ipratropium
• Aclidinium Bromide
• Formoterol
• Salmeterol
• Tiotropium^{[footnote 100]}

18.1.3 A 2021 letter, written by various healthcare professionals to the editor of the International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, published on the Médicins Sans Frontiers (MSF) Science Portal stated:

‘In 2020, the Iraqi National Tuberculosis Programme (NTP), with the support of Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), introduced an all-oral, long DR-TB [drug-resistant TB] treatment regimen based on the new TB drug, bedaquiline (BDQ). This made Iraq one of the first Middle Eastern countries to provide access to better and safer DR-TB  treatment. Until recently, DR-TB treatment guidelines in Iraq recommended the older 18- 24-month long regimen comprising 6 - 8 months of injections. Loss to follow-up was at 20%, and irreversible hearing loss due to injectables and challenges in adverse events monitoring were common. In addition, DR-TB regimen design and treatment initiation were centralised in the capital, Baghdad…, contributing to delayed treatment initiation, and increased morbidity and transmission. This was exacerbated by common security issues, and the lockdown due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

‘In Baghdad, MSF has collaborated with the NTP since 2018 to provide care to DR-TB patients and help improve overall DR-TB programmatic management through 1) laboratory support to increase access to diagnostics methods such as Xpert MTB/RIF [Mycobacterium tuberculosis/ Rifampin]… and line-probe assays; 2) technical support to healthcare workers for DR-TB regimen design, management and monitoring; 3) patient and community support by raising awareness, fighting stigma and patient empowerment; and 4) introduction/provision of new drugs, and other repurposed oral regimens, previously unavailable in the country.

‘In 2020, the Iraqi NTP was able to implement a paradigm shift in changing the DR-TB treatment with the introduction of BDQ [Bedaquiline] as part of an all-oral, long regimen for newly and previously diagnosed and treated patients with complex resistance profiles…Furthermore, the NTP expanded this access to highly vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant women and patients with comorbidities.’^{[footnote 101]}

18.1.4 The Faruk Medical City, a private hospital in Sulaymaniyah, has facilities to provide people who have lung diseases with diagnostic and therapeutic services, as explained on its website:

‘Our consultants provide diagnostic, and therapeutic services for the full spectrum of pulmonary diseases, disorders of breathing, and critical care illnesses. These services include:

• Physiologic assessment of the respiratory system
• Pulmonary functions at rest and during exercise
• Polysomnography
• Diagnostic and therapeutic fiberoptic bronchoscopy
• Diagnostic and therapeutic thoracentesis, pleural biopsy, and transthoracic needle aspirate
• Respiratory care for the patient on chronic ventilation therapy.’^{[footnote 102]}

18.1.5 The UNDP Iraq report, ‘New Intensive Care Unit for Respiratory Tract Infection Hospital supported by Canada opens in Sulaymaniyah’, dated 3 May 2023, stated:

‘A new Intensive Care Unit for Respiratory Tract Infection Hospital in Sulaymaniyah was inaugurated today, strengthening health infrastructure in the region and providing access to life-saving and specialized respiratory care services for over 730,000 residents.

‘…UNDP’s Funding Facility for Stabilization and the Government of Canada built the Intensive Care Unit for Respiratory Tract Infection Hospital and equipped it with advanced medical tools. The unit has 20 isolation rooms, each with a ventilator and humidifier, patient monitor, mechanical bed, and necessary medical devices and accessories. The hospital was also provided with a defibrillator, a video laryngoscope, an ECMO [extracorporeal membrane oxygenation] device, and generators.’^{[footnote 103]}

18.1.6 A WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region report, entitled ‘Yes! We can end TB!’, dated 24 March 2024, stated:

‘Iraq has made significant steps in the fight against TB through its partnerships with the National TB Program (NTP), WHO, International Organization for Migration, Iraqi Anti-TB Association and others…

‘One fundamental advance has been the shift in the treatment approach for drug-resistant TB since 2020, from a series of injections to an all-oral regimen. This move has improved treatment outcomes and lessened the burden on patients, marking a significant milestone in Iraq’s TB control efforts.

‘Another breakthrough has been the adoption of BPaL/M, a second-line treatment regimen which lasts only 6 months rather than 2 years. This innovative approach has been progressively implemented in both community and detention areas, offering renewed hope for more effective and accessible TB treatment in Iraq.

‘Central to Iraq’s success has been the implementation of a real-time, web-based and case-based platform on DHIS2. This serves as a tool for surveillance, electronic patient file archiving, and programme performance monitoring. This technology has revolutionized TB service delivery and monitoring, ensuring that patients receive timely and appropriate care.’^{[footnote 104]}

19. Musculoskeletal conditions

19.1.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that orthopaedic surgery could be carried out, for example at the Al Jadriya Hospital in Baghdad. Outpatient orthopaedic treatment was also available, for example at the Al-Wasity Specialist General Hospital in Baghdad.^{[footnote 105]}

20. Mental healthcare

20.1 Availability of facilities and treatment

20.1.1 The 2023 DFAT report stated:

‘Mental health services are inadequate. There are two dedicated psychiatric hospitals in the country, Al-Rashad Psychiatric Hospital and Ibn Rushd Hospital, both located in Baghdad. There are psychiatric wards in some general hospitals, as well as some out-patient clinics, often run by international non-government organisations (NGOs) such as Medicins sans Frontieres. The absence of community-based mental health care means that often the only care available is family-based or in psychiatric institutions, which have been linked to inhumane treatment and degrading conditions.’^{[footnote 106]}

20.1.2 A letter written by Abdul Rahman Saied, Sirwan Ahmed, Asmaa Metwally and Hani Aiash (medical professionals), entitled ‘Iraq’s mental health crisis: a way forward?’ and published in the 7 October 2023 edition of the medical journal, The Lancet, stated:

‘For the past 20 years, mental health in Iraq has been a difficult issue to address as the country has faced wars, conflicts, and political instability… Over 20% of Iraqis have mental illnesses, and that percentage is steadily rising…

‘The mental health system in Iraq is not well developed. Iraq passed legislation governing mental health in 2005, but it has not been used to its full potential yet. There are only six specialised psychiatric hospitals in Iraq (two in Baghdad and four in the Kurdistan region), which do not even meet the bare minimum of the demand. Iraq has approximately 0.34 psychiatrists per 100,000 population. Iraq urgently needs mental health services as there is a severe lack of skilled personnel and poor infrastructure, which severely restricts access to care. Several difficulties confronting mental health workers include inadequate training, restricted access to resources, and social stigma against working in mental health. Because there is no public health insurance system to cover the entire population, the Iraqi people rely on the central government-run public health-care system…

‘There has been a gradual reduction in the stigma associated with mental health issues, leading more people to seek treatment.

‘However, the situation is far from ideal. There is a severe scarcity of mental health experts, and the Iraqi health-care system is still trying to keep up with population needs. Furthermore, many people in Iraq still do not have access to mental health services because of a scarcity of funding for such programmes.’^{[footnote 107]}

20.2 Availability of medication

20.2.1 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that the following drugs were available at the Al Namothajya Pharmacy in Diwaneya [a city in Al-Qadisiyyah governorate]:

• Mirtazapine (anti-depressant)
• Escitalopram (anti-depressant)
• Citalopram (anti-depressant)
• Sertraline (anti-depressant)
• Chlorpromazine (anti-psychotic)
• Alprazolam (anti-psychotic)
• Bromazepam (anti-psychotic)
• Diazepam (anti-anxiety)^{[footnote 108]}.

20.2.2 A EUAA MedCOI 2020 response to an information request stated that amitriptyline, venlafaxine, imipramine, and paroxetine (anti-depressants) were available, for example at the Dawa Pharmacy in Baghdad.^{[footnote 109]}

Research methodology

The country of origin information (COI) in this note has been carefully selected in accordance with the general principles of COI research as set out in the Common EU [European Union] Guidelines for Processing Country of Origin Information (COI), April 2008, and the Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation’s (ACCORD), Researching Country of Origin Information – Training Manual, 2013. Namely, taking into account the COI’s relevance, reliability, accuracy, balance, currency, transparency and traceability.

Sources and the information they provide are carefully considered before inclusion. Factors relevant to the assessment of the reliability of sources and information include:

• the motivation, purpose, knowledge and experience of the source
• how the information was obtained, including specific methodologies used
• the currency and detail of information
• whether the COI is consistent with and/or corroborated by other sources

Wherever possible, multiple sourcing is used and the COI compared and contrasted to ensure that it is accurate and balanced, and provides a comprehensive and up-to-date picture of the issues relevant to this note at the time of publication.

The inclusion of a source is not an endorsement of it or any view(s) expressed.

Each piece of information is referenced in a footnote.

Full details of all sources cited and consulted in compiling the note are listed alphabetically in the Bibliography.

Terms of reference

A ‘Terms of Reference’ (ToR) is a broad outline of the issues relevant to the scope of this note and forms the basis for the country information.

For this medical information note, the following topics were identified prior to drafting as relevant and on which research was undertaken:

• overview of the structure of the healthcare system including patient access to:
  • public - free or subsidised at point of entry
  • private - pay at point of entry
  • health insurance system - private, public and community based insurance systems, cost and contributions
  • non-government organisation (NGO) provision and assistance
  • costs to: consult a general practitioner, consult a specialist and receive treatment, contribute to an insurance scheme
• infrastructure and staffing
  • number, location and type of medical facility (and specialism) - primary, secondary and tertiary
  • number and location in absolute and per head of population of nurses and doctors, including specialists
  • provide links to medical, dental and other healthcare practitioners, and hospitals
• pharmaceutical sector
  • availability of therapeutic drugs
  • accessibility of therapeutic drugs, cost and other factors affecting access
  • number and location of pharmacies
• specific diseases/conditions including:
  • cancer
    • national programme for control and treatment
    • availability of treatment: facilities, personnel and location
    • accessibility: cost of treatment and other factors affecting access, such as location of particular treatment centres
    • support in obtaining treatment from state, private or civil society sectors
  • blood and immune system conditions, including sickle cell disease
  • cardiovascular conditions
  • Diabetes and other endocrinal, nutritional and metabolic conditions
  • digestive tract conditions
  • eye conditions
  • gynaecological conditions
  • HIV/AIDS
  • kidney conditions
  • liver conditions, including hepatitis
  • mental health, behavioural and neurodevelopmental conditions
  • musculoskeletal conditions
  • oral and dental conditions
  • neurological conditions
  • palliative care
  • paediatric conditions
  • respiratory conditions, including tuberculosis
  • skin conditions
  • urological conditions

Bibliography

Sources cited

Abusaib, Mohammed; Ahmed Mazyar; Nwayyir, Hussein; Alidris, Haider; Al-Abbood Majid; Al-Bayati, Ali; Al-Ibrahim, Salim; Al-Kharasan, Abbas; Al-Rubaye, Haidar; Mahwi, Taha; Ashor, Ammar; Howlett, Harry; Shakir, Mahmood; Al-Naqshbandi Murad; Mansour, Abbas, ‘Iraqi Experts Consensus on the Management of Type 2 Diabetes/Prediabetes in Adults’, 19 August 2020, PubMed Central. Last accessed: 17 June 2024

Al Alwan, Nada, ‘The Current Situation of Palliative Care Services in Iraq’, 30 October 2020, published by Springer Link. Last accessed: 7 August 2024

Al Tamimi and Co

• ‘An overview of the new Iraqi Health Insurance Law’, no date. Last accessed: 21 August 2024

• ‘Our Services’, no date. Last accessed: 21 August 2024

Arab NGO Network for Development/American University of Beirut Faculty of Health Sciences, ‘Right to Health in Iraq – Fragile structures and growing challenges’, 2023. Last accessed: 6 June 2024

Bahrain Medical Bulletin, ‘Effectiveness of Instructional Program on Nurses’ Knowledge Concerning Palliative and Supportive Care for old Adults with Heart Failure’, December 2023. Last accessed: 17 June 2024

Cancer Care Specialties (MENA), ‘Best Urological Oncology in Iraq’, no date. Last accessed: 11 June 2024

Chatham House, ‘Moving medicine in Iraq: The political economy of the pharmaceutical trade’, 14 September 2022. Last accessed: 7 June 2024

Children’s Village

• ‘The Children’s Village Impact in Iraq’, no date. Last accessed: 26 July 2024

• ‘History’, no date. Last accessed: 16 August 2024

Denta Dental Clinic, ‘Our Services’, no date. Last accessed: 26 June 2024

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australian government), ‘Country Information Report – Iraq’, 16 January 2023. Last accessed: 6 June 2024

English Medical Centre, ‘Home’, no date. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

Erbil International Hospital

• ‘ENT Clinic’, no date. Last accessed: 31 July 2024

• ‘Dialysis Unit’, no date. Last accessed: 31 July 2024

European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), ‘MedCOI’, no date. Last accessed: 30 December 2020

Expat Arrivals, ‘Healthcare in Iraq’, no date. Last accessed: 21 August 2024

Fadhil, Samaher; Ghali, Hasaneini, ‘The Current Situation of Palliative Care Services in Iraq’, 30 October 2020, Springer Link. Last accessed: 11 June 2024

Faruk Medical City

• ‘Cardiology Department’, no date. Last accessed: 11 June 2024

• ‘Chest and Respiratory Diseases Department’, no date. Last accessed: 14 June 2024

• ‘Dialysis Center’, no date. Last accessed: 13 June 2024

• ‘ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) and Skull Base Surgery Department’, no date. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

• ‘Neurology Department’, no date. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

• ‘Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic’, no date. Last accessed: 17 June 2024

• ‘Gastroenterology’, no date. Last accessed: 17 June 2024

• ‘Emergency Services’, no date. Last accessed: 19 June 2024

• ‘Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Department’, no date. Last accessed: 20 June 2024

• ‘Ophthalmology Department’, no date. Last accessed: 26 June 2024

Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital, ‘About the Hospital’, 2024. Last accessed: 31 July 2024

Heevie, ‘Kurdish NGO provides free treatment to patients with rare diseases’, 3 March 2023. Last accessed: 24 June 2024

Ibn Al Haytham, ‘Ibn Al Haytham Eye Teaching Hospital’, no date. Last accessed: 31 July 2024

In AR Consulting, ‘Children’s Hospital, Basra’, no date. Last accessed: 22 July 2024

International Journal of Surgery ‘The evolution of congenital heart disease surgeries in Iraq’, July 2023. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

International Organisation for Migration Germany, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, December 2022. Last accessed: 1 August 2024

Iraq Health Access Organisation, ‘What we do’, no date. Last accessed: 24 June 2024

LinkedIn

• ‘English Medical Center – About us’, no date. Last accessed: 6 August 2024

• ‘Erbil International Hospital – About us’, no date. Last accessed: 6 August 2024

Lippincott

• ‘About Us’, no date. Last accessed: 13 June 2024

• Transplantation, ‘Renal Transplantation in Iraq’

• ‘Iraq Briefing’, no date. Last accessed: 24 June 2024

National

• ‘About us’, no date. Last accessed: 26 July 2024

• ‘Iraq’s fragmented healthcare system “at the heart of the struggle to overcome war”’, 2 December 2022. Last accessed: 26 July 2024

New Region

• ‘About Us’, no date. Last accessed: 16 August 2024

• ‘Iraq’s AIDS infections surpass 2000; actual numbers likely higher’, 9 April 2024. Last accessed: 13 June 2024

PAR Hospital

• ‘About PAR Hospital’, no date. Last accessed: 6 August 2024

• ‘Cardiothoracic Center’, no date. Last accessed: 26 July 2024

• ‘PAR Hospital’, no date. Last accessed: 6 August 2024

People’s Dispatch

• ‘About’, no date. Last accessed: 15 July 2024

• ‘Iraqi health system struggles to recover after three decades of setbacks’, 14 August 2023. Last accessed: 6 June 2024

Physicians for Human Rights, ‘Challenges Faced by the Iraqi Health Sector in Responding to COVID-19’, 6 April 2021. Last accessed: 21 August 2024

PubMed Central, ‘Home’, no date. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

Saied, Rahman; Ahmed, Sirwan; Metwally Asmaa; Aiash, Hani, ‘Iraq’s mental health crisis: a way forward?’, published in the 7 October 2023 edition of The Lancet. Last accessed: 26 June 2024

Shafaq News, ‘AIDS Struggle: insights across Iraqi governorates’, 30 April 2024. Last accessed: 13 June 2024

Springer Link

• ‘homepage’, no date. Last accessed: 7 August 2024

• ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022. Last accessed: 11 June 2024

Tesfahun H M, Moussally K, Al-Ani N A, Al-Salhi L G, Kyi H A, Simons S, Isaakidis P, Ferlazzo G, Pangtey H, Mankhi A A, letter entitled ‘Introduction of new drugs for drug-resistant TB in Iraq’, 2021, International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, ‘MSF Science Portal’, (to access the document, use the Google search-term ‘Introduction of new drugs for drug-resistant TB in Iraq’). Last accessed: 14 June 2024

Thyroid Surgery UAE, ‘Best Thyroid Centre Baghdad’, no date. Last accessed: 1 August 2024

Times Higher Education, ‘University of Alkafeel’, no date. Last accessed: 7 August 2024

United Nations Development Programme,

• ‘New Intensive Care Unit for Respiratory Tract Infection Hospital supported by Canada opens in Sulaymaniyah’, 3 May 2023. Last accessed: 1 August 2024

• ‘New Cardiac Surgery Centre at Al Salam Hospital gives hope to thousands’, 18 August 2021. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

• ‘Improving Access to Maternal Care in Ramadi’, 9 September 2021. Last accessed: 31 July 2024

• ‘Doctors in the spotlight: Saving lives and reviving Iraq’s health system’, 18 October 2023. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

University of Alkafeel, ‘Dentistry Clinic’, no date. Last accessed: 31 July 2024

University of Kerbala, ‘University of Kerbala Dental Clinic’, no date. Last accessed: 12 June 2024

World Health Organisation

• ‘Data on Iraq’, 2024. Last accessed: 14 June 2024

• ‘2021 Cervical cancer country profile’, 17 November 2021. Last accessed: 6 June 2024

Eastern Mediterranean Region, ‘New paediatric unit opens its doors for newborns and children in Akre Paediatric and Maternity Hospital in Duhok Governorate’, 14 September 2022. Last accessed: 26 July 2024

Eastern Mediterranean Region, ‘Yes! We can end TB!’, 24 March 2024. Last accessed: 14 June 2024

Sources consulted but not cited

Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, ‘Foreign travel advice – Iraq’, 12 June 2024. Last accessed: 26 June 2024 

World Health Organisation, ‘Iraq’, no date. Last accessed: 26 June 2024

Version control and feedback

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• version 3.0
• valid from 22 August 2024

Official – sensitive: Not for disclosure – Start of section

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Changes from last version of this note

Updated COI.

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1. EUAA, ‘Country of Origin Information’ (Medical country of origin information (MedCOI)), no date ↩

2. People’s Dispatch, ‘About’, no date ↩

3. People’s Dispatch, ‘Iraqi health system struggles to recover after three decades…’, 14 August 2023 ↩

4. People’s Dispatch, ‘Iraqi health system struggles to recover after three decades…’, 14 August 2023 ↩

5. IOMG, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, December 2022 ↩

6. DFAT, ‘Country Information Report – Iraq’ (page 8), 16 January 2023 ↩

7. Physicians for Human Rights, ‘Challenges Faced by the Iraqi Health Sector…’, 6 April 2021 ↩

8. Expat Arrivals, ‘Healthcare in Iraq’, no date ↩

9. IOMG, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, December 2022 ↩

10. Al Tamimi and Co, ‘Our Services’, no date ↩

11. Al Tamimi and Co, ‘An overview of the new Iraqi Health Insurance Law’, no date ↩

12. ANGOND/AUBFHS, ‘Right to Health in Iraq – Fragile structures and growing challenges’, 2023 ↩

13. WHO, ‘Data on Iraq’, 2024 ↩

14. Iraq Health Access Organisation, ‘What we do’, no date ↩

15. Heevie, ‘Kurdish NGO provides free treatment to patients with rare diseases’, 3 March 2023 ↩

16. MSF, ‘Iraq briefing’, no date ↩

17. Springer Link, ‘homepage’, no date ↩

18. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

19. Chatham House, ‘Moving medicine in Iraq: The political economy of the…’, 14 September 2022 ↩

20. The National, ‘About us’, no date ↩

21. The National, ‘Iraq’s fragmented healthcare system “at the heart of the…’, 2 December 2022 ↩

22. IOMG, ‘Iraq Country Fact Sheet 2022’, December 2022 ↩

23. Zarya Construction Co., ‘Faruk Medical City’, no date ↩

24. Faruk Medical City, ‘Emergency Services’, no date ↩

25. UNDP, ‘Doctors in the spotlight: Saving lives and reviving Iraq’s health system’, 18 October 2023 ↩

26. Children’s Village, ‘History’, no date ↩

27. Children’s Village, ‘The Children’s Village Impact in Iraq’, no date ↩

28. WHO, ‘New paediatric unit opens its doors for newborns and children…’, 14 September 2022 ↩

29. International Journal of Surgery ,’The evolution of congenital heart disease surgeries…’, July 2023 ↩

30. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

31. In AR Consulting, ‘Children’s Hospital, Basra’, no date ↩

32. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

33. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

34. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

35. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

36. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

37. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

38. Nada Al Alwan, Springer Link, ‘General Oncology Care in Iraq’, 16 March 2022 ↩

39. WHO, ‘2021 Cervical cancer country profile’, 17 November 2021 ↩

40. Cancer Care Specialties (MENA), ‘Best Urological Oncology in Iraq’, no date ↩

41. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13207, 18 January 2020 ↩

42. Faruk Medical City, ‘Cardiology Department’, no date ↩

43. PAR Hospital, ‘PAR Hospital’, no date ↩

44. PAR Hospital, ‘About PAR Hospital’, no date ↩

45. PAR Hospital, ‘Cardiothoracic Center’, no date ↩

46. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14239, 24 November 2020 ↩

47. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13207, 20 January 2020 ↩

48. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

49. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

50. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

51. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

52. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

53. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

54. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

55. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13958, 2 September 2020 ↩

56. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13958, 2 September 2020 ↩

57. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13958, 2 September 2020 ↩

58. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13958, 2 September 2020 ↩

59. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13726, 20 June 2020 ↩

60. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13958, 2 September 2020 ↩

61. UNDP, ‘New Cardiac Surgery Centre at Al Salam Hospital gives hope…’, 18 August 2021 ↩

62. UNDP, ‘Doctors in the spotlight: Saving lives and reviving Iraq’s health system’, 18 October 2023 ↩

63. University of Kerbala, ‘University of Kerbala Dental Clinic’, no date ↩

64. Denta Dental Clinic, ‘Our Services’, no date ↩

65. Times Higher Education, ‘University of Alkafeel’, no date ↩

66. University of Alkafeel, ‘Dentistry Clinic’, no date ↩

67. PubMed Central, ‘Home’, no date ↩

68. M Abusaib, M Ahmed, H Ali Nwayyir, et al, PMC, ‘Iraqi Experts Consensus…;, 19 August 2020 ↩

69. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14239, 24 November 2020 ↩

70. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14281, 9 December 2020 ↩

71. Faruk Medical City, ‘ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) and Skull Base Surgery Department’, no date ↩

72. LinkedIn, ‘Erbil International Hospital – About us’, no date ↩

73. Erbil International Hospital, ‘ENT Clinic’, no date ↩

74. Faruk Medical City, ‘Neurology Department’, no date ↩

75. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14133, 28 October 2020 ↩

76. LinkedIn, ‘English Medical Center – About us’, no date ↩

77. English Medical Centre, ‘Home’, no date ↩

78. Faruk Medical City, ‘Ophthalmology Department’, no date ↩

79. Ibn Al Haytham, ‘Ibn Al Haytham Eye Teaching Hospital’, no date ↩

80. Faruk Medical City, ‘Gastroenterology’, no date ↩

81. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14133, 28 October 2020 ↩

82. Gastroenterology and Hepatology Teaching Hospital, ‘About the Hospital’, 2024 ↩

83. Faruk Medical City, ‘Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Department’, no date ↩

84. UNDP, ‘Improving Access to Maternal Care in Ramadi’, 9 September 2021 ↩

85. The New Region, ‘About Us’, no date ↩

86. The New Region, ‘Iraq’s AIDS infections surpass 2000; actual numbers likely higher’, 9 April 2024 ↩

87. Shafaq News, ‘AIDS Struggle: insights across Iraqi governorates’, 30 April 2024 ↩

88. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13344, 23 February 2020 ↩

89. Faruk Medical City, ‘Dialysis Center’, no date ↩

90. Transplantation, ‘About the Journal’, no date ↩

91. Lippincott, ‘About Us’, no date ↩

92. Lippincott, Transplantation, ‘Renal Transplantation in Iraq’, June 2021 ↩

93. Erbil International Hospital, ‘Dialysis Unit’, no date ↩

94. Lippincott, Transplantation, ‘Renal Transplantation in Iraq’, June 2021 ↩

95. Faruk Medical City, ‘Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic’, no date ↩

96. Thyroid Surgery UAE, ‘Best Thyroid Centre Baghdad’, no date ↩

97. S Fadhil and H Ghali, Springer Link, ‘The Current Situation of Palliative Care…’, 30 October 2020 ↩

98. Bahrain Medical Bulletin, ‘Effectiveness of Instructional Program on Nurses’…’, December 2023 ↩

99. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13401, 5 April 2020 ↩

100. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13401, 5 April 2020 ↩

101. Tesfahun H M, Moussally K, Al-Ani N A, Al-Salhi L G, Kyi H A, et al, MSF Science Portal, ’Home’ ↩

102. Faruk Medical City, ‘Chest and Respiratory Diseases Department’, no date ↩

103. UNDP Iraq, ‘New Intensive Care Unit for Respiratory Tract Infection…’, 3 May 2023 ↩

104. WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, ‘Yes! We can end TB!’, 24 March 2024 ↩

105. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-13344, 23 February 2020 ↩

106. DFAT, ‘Country Information Report – Iraq’ (page 9), 16 January 2023 ↩

107. A Saied, S Ahmed, A Metwally, H Aiash, The Lancet, ‘Iraq’s mental health crisis…, 7 October 2023 ↩

108. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14281, 9 December 2020 ↩

109. EUAA, MedCOI, BMA-14133, 28 October 2020 ↩