“Health sector is at a good level, but we aim for further improvement”, says PM Masrour Barzani

The Prime Minister underscored that one of the cabinet's key objectives has been to implement extensive reforms within the health sector.

Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivering a speech at the conference in Erbil, on Monday Oct. 14. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Kurdistan Region's Prime Minister Masrour Barzani delivering a speech at the conference in Erbil, on Monday Oct. 14. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – On Monday, the Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani participated at  a pivotal conference in Erbil, addressing reforms in health services, the distribution of medicines and medical supplies, and the overall strategy for revamping the region’s health system.

In his address during the conference, Prime Minister Barzani emphasized the urgency of transforming the health sector, highlighting its importance for both current and future needs. "We must continue developing this sector to provide better services and increased assurance to our citizens," he said.

Barzani expressed satisfaction with the progress, noting, "The data presented is encouraging and reassures citizens that our health sector is at a good level, but we aim for further improvement."

The Prime Minister underscored that one of the cabinet's key objectives has been to implement extensive reforms within the health sector.

He highlighted collaboration with international experts, numerous meetings, and conferences aimed at addressing critical challenges facing the health system.

“Some of the outcomes are evident,” he noted, pointing to measures like improved guidelines for the importation of medicines and food, along with legal actions against violators.

Barzani acknowledged past issues where some parties profited from importing substandard medicines, harming citizens.

“These measures were taken because the safety of our citizens is our priority, far above commercial gains for those who have acted irresponsibly,” he emphasized, commending the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries for their efforts in controlling the quality of medicines and food.

Addressing the government's efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, Barzani highlighted the construction of new hospitals across the Kurdistan Region.

“We have built several new hospitals with high standards, and this process is ongoing,” he stated, adding that plans are in place to upgrade existing hospitals with modern equipment and technologies to enhance service delivery.

On the issue of cancer treatment, Barzani announced significant progress: “The KRG has made substantial efforts to establish several new cancer treatment centers equipped with advanced technology, ensuring that citizens no longer need to travel outside the Kurdistan Region for treatment.”

He noted that these centers would not only serve the people of Kurdistan but also provide healthcare services to patients from other parts of Iraq and the Middle East.

“We have also prioritized bringing healthcare services closer to our citizens,” Barzani remarked, emphasizing the construction of hospitals in smaller towns and rural areas to ease the burden on major cities and reduce the need for patients to travel long distances.

The Prime Minister also highlighted efforts to ensure legal protection for both patients and doctors. He noted, “We have continually discussed in the cabinet how to safeguard the rights of patients and doctors to ensure that everyone’s rights are legally supported.”

Regarding quality control of medicines, Barzani mentioned the recent introduction of detailed inspection stickers, which assure citizens of the safety of their purchased medications.

He urged citizens to purchase only approved medicines, warning against those that lack official quality control labels. “Despite efforts to control smuggling at the borders, some unregulated medicines still enter the region. It is essential that citizens remain vigilant and purchase only verified products,” he cautioned.

Barzani also discussed the KRG's initiatives to introduce an insurance system to alleviate healthcare costs for citizens, especially those requiring continuous treatment. He stressed the importance of citizens adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular check-ups, exercise, and stress management.

“Health is not solely the responsibility of the government, ministries, and doctors,” he added. “Citizens must take responsibility for their well-being by following doctors' advice and undergoing regular health screenings. Early detection through advanced technology allows for timely and effective treatments.”

Barzani concluded his speech by emphasizing that health sector reform is an ongoing process that extends beyond conferences. “Significant progress has been made, but true reform requires continuous effort. This includes training hospital staff, improving education in medical colleges, and integrating modern technologies. Our doctors must engage with international advancements and bring these practices back home,” he stated, expressing hope for a future where the health sector, the Ministry of Health, doctors, and citizens work together toward faster and more effective reforms for a healthier Kurdistan.