KRG Launches Project to Send Thalassemia Patients Abroad for Treatment

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Erbil Health Director General Dlovan Mohammed announced on Tuesday that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has officially launched a program to provide life-saving treatment for thalassemia patients abroad.

Speaking at a press conference, Mohammed said the initiative will initially cover 140 patients, with the first group of eight set to travel for treatment in the coming phase.

He explained that Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has confirmed the government’s commitment to sending patients who require bone marrow transplants to specialized medical centers outside the Kurdistan Region. Of the 140 identified patients, 100 have already been found compatible donors and are eligible for the procedure. Currently, 40 of them are receiving treatment in four internationally accredited JCI-certified hospitals.

“This program is part of the ninth cabinet’s health agenda, which prioritizes support for patients with chronic and life-threatening illnesses such as cancer and Thalassemia," Mohammed stated. He emphasized that bone marrow transplants and related surgeries can offer patients a permanent cure, marking a major step forward in healthcare services.

The project underscores the KRG’s broader efforts to expand access to advanced medical care, reduce the burden on families, and strengthen the region’s health sector. By facilitating access to advanced medical treatments abroad, the program is expected to improve patient outcomes and survival rates significantly. In the long term, it will also contribute to the development of local expertise and infrastructure as returning patients share their experiences and knowledge. Furthermore, the initiative is likely to attract more international partnerships and investments in the region’s healthcare sector.