Erbil Health Director Announces Expansion of Cancer Treatment Services

According to the Director of Health in Erbil, the Cancer Patient Support Fund allocates over 50 billion dinars annually to provide essential medical care and treatment for cancer patients.

Photo shows a view of Erbil with the symbol of World Cancer Day. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
Photo shows a view of Erbil with the symbol of World Cancer Day. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

Feb. 4, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The General Director of Health in Erbil, Dilovan Muhammad, announced significant advancements in cancer treatment services during a press conference on World Cancer Day, Tuesday, Feb. 4.

The event highlighted major financial and infrastructural developments aimed at improving care for cancer patients in the Kurdistan Region.

According to Muhammad, the Cancer Patient Support Fund allocates over 50 billion dinars annually to provide essential medical care and treatment for cancer patients.

He acknowledged that benefactors play a critical role in financing the purchase of medicine and supporting the ongoing construction and renovation efforts at Nanakali Hospital, Erbil’s primary cancer treatment facility.

Muhammad also revealed that 28% of cancer patients receiving treatment at Nanakali Hospital are from outside Erbil city, underscoring the hospital’s role as a regional center for cancer care.

To further enhance its capabilities, he announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art bone marrow transplant center within the hospital.

The project, funded by Ahmed Ismail Nanakali at a cost of six million dollars, is expected to eliminate the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.

The establishment of the bone marrow transplant center marks a crucial step in enhancing local medical infrastructure, ensuring that advanced cancer treatments remain accessible to patients within the Kurdistan Region.

The expansion reflects broader efforts by the KRG and private donors to improve healthcare services and reduce the financial and logistical burden on patients requiring specialized treatment.