DUBAI, UAE - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani on Thursday launched the construction of five hospitals across different provinces, in a major healthcare initiative aimed at expanding medical services in districts and subdistricts, easing pressure on major hospitals.

The new hospitals, part of a broader plan to build 16 facilities with a capacity of 100 beds each, will provide essential medical services closer to citizens and ease pressure on major hospitals. Sudani emphasized that the expansion of healthcare infrastructure is critical to ensuring that Iraqis no longer have to travel outside the country for treatment.

“Iraq is now on the right path toward improving healthcare services, aiming to eliminate the need for citizens to travel abroad for treatment and bear excessive costs,” read a statement from his office.

The Iraqi premier inaugurated the hospital projects via teleconference, marking the start of construction in Tel Kaif district in Nineveh, Baiji district in Salahaddin, Saddat al-Hindiya subdistrict in Babil, Jadwal al-Gharbi subdistrict in Karbala, and Souq al-Shuyukh district in Dhi Qar.

Despite financial constraints, the government has prioritized healthcare infrastructure, investing in medium and small-scale hospital projects, specialized medical centers, and major hospitals. Sudani stressed that these efforts will not only expand access to medical care but also improve service quality and specialization.

He instructed the executing companies to “adhere to high precision and follow the designated specifications” and assured them of support from local administrations, the Ministry of Health, and his office’s follow-up team to ensure timely completion.

The project also aligns with Iraq’s push to develop a national health insurance system, aiming to create a sustainable and efficient healthcare network. Additionally, the government is investing in training and employing Iraqi medical graduates.

“We are focusing on skill development and training programs to enhance the expertise of young professionals who will work in these hospitals once completed,” Sudani said.

The launch follows an eight-month effort to finalize contracts for the construction of 16 hospitals across 11 provinces, reflecting the government’s broader strategy to modernize Iraq’s healthcare system and reduce reliance on foreign medical treatment.