Health ministers from the Kurdistan Regional Government and the Federal Government of Iraq have announced their joint efforts to strengthen healthcare coordination, particularly concerning the provision of medicines and medical supplies to Kurdistan from the general Iraqi budget.

In a press statement today, Friday, January 12, 2024, Kurdistan's Minister of Health, Saman Barzanji, emphasized the dedicated budget allocated within the Iraqi general budget to secure medicines and medical supplies for Kurdistan and Iraq. He highlighted ongoing national projects and collaborations with the Federal Ministry of Health, both within the public and private sectors, focusing on the procurement and distribution of medicines.

Minister Barzanji underscored the positive progress of the Reform Law in combating and reducing drug-related issues in markets and public spaces. Additionally, discussions encompassed various medical and public service issues, including the provision of healthcare services to refugees. The aim is to enhance relationships between the two sides and promote the development of the healthcare sector.

Iraqi Minister of Health, Saleh Al-Hasnawi, affirmed their commitment to strengthening healthcare relations with Kurdistan during his visit. He mentioned that discussions with Kurdistan's Minister of Health covered several critical issues, with a particular focus on medicines, medical supplies, and strategies for stockpiling and enhancing the private healthcare sector.

Al-Hasnawi emphasized the high level of coordination between the Iraqi Ministry of Health and Kurdistan's Ministry of Health, stating that both are working together to address health challenges in Kurdistan and Iraq. He also participated in the Fourth Medical Scientific Conference in Erbil on Thursday, where discussions revolved around various medical topics on regional, national, and global levels.

Dr. Karwan Mohammed, Deputy Dean of the College of Medicine in Erbil, highlighted the three-day conference's objective to shed light on global advancements in the medical field. He expressed the intention to facilitate coordination and collaboration between local and foreign doctors, bringing in representatives from advanced countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand.

The overarching goal of the conference is to share the latest developments in global medicine with the Kurdistan region, ensuring that advancements from more developed nations benefit the citizens of Kurdistan and Iraq. The organizers seek to maximize the potential for collaboration between local and foreign doctors, creating a platform for exchanging experiences and knowledge to further develop the healthcare sector in Kurdistan.