Peshmerga Ministry launches comprehensive health insurance program for forces
Dr. Reza Ismail, Director of Public Health Affairs Peshmerga Ministry stated, "The primary benefit of health insurance is providing security to participants, ensuring they won't face significant financial burdens during medical emergencies."
Nov. 19, 2024
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs has implemented a comprehensive health insurance program covering all Peshmerga forces and officers, offering significant medical coverage excluding cosmetic procedures.
Dr. Reza Ismail, Director of Public Health Affairs at the Ministry of Peshmerga, told Kurdistan24, "The primary benefit of health insurance is providing security to participants, ensuring they won't face significant financial burdens during medical emergencies."
Key features of the insurance program include:
- Coverage for all surgical procedures except cosmetic surgery
- 70% reimbursement of medical expenses
- Streamlined approval process through unit-level coordination
- Specialized medical committee review for treatment assessments
- Flexibility to receive treatment in any city
- Priority focus on procedures unavailable in government hospitals
- Semi-private payment arrangements for government hospital treatments
The process requires Peshmerga members to notify their units through a confidential letter, bypassing lengthy ministerial procedures.
"A specialized medical committee evaluates each case to determine treatment necessity before funding approval," Dr. Ismail explained.
This initiative represents a significant step in improving healthcare access for Kurdistan's Peshmerga forces, who serve as the region's primary defense force.
The comprehensive insurance program addresses a crucial need for military personnel and their families, aligning with broader efforts to modernize and professionalize the Peshmerga forces.
The program's implementation reflects the Kurdistan Regional Government's commitment to improving service conditions for its military personnel, following similar models adopted by professional armed forces globally.