Baghdad: The Integrity Commission is currently investigating the delays plaguing the Al-Sha’la and Al-Hurriya hospital projects, with a focus on understanding the reasons behind these setbacks. The Federal Integrity Commission has urged the acceleration of procedures necessary to complete these long-stalled projects, including finalizing the supply of medical equipment, furniture, and infrastructure, as well as disbursing financial dues to the implementing companies. The timely completion of these projects is seen as crucial for alleviating the burden on citizens.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a team from the Prevention Department conducted an in-depth investigation by visiting the Baghdad/Karkh Health Directorate and the Baghdad Governorate. Their field visits and meetings with relevant authorities revealed that the completion rate for the Al-Shula Hospital project stands at 92.7%, while the Al-Hurriya Hospital project is 73% complete. The report highlighted the Ministry of Health/Baghdad/Karkh Health Directorate’s previous contracts with two companies for the development and construction of these projects.

The project scope for Al-Sha’la Hospital includes an emergency building with four floors, housing 112 beds, operating rooms, laboratories, and more. There is also a service building with essential systems and facilities. The report noted the signing of four contract addenda, with the last one increasing the project cost due to spare parts orders, and a change in the implementing company after a withdrawal. Additional time was granted to companies to complete extra work related to increasing the reserve ratio and project cost.

The report, which has been shared with the Prime Minister’s Office, the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, and the Office of the Minister of Health, attributed the Al-Shula Hospital project delays to the Ministry of Health’s failure to disburse financial dues due to funding shortages. It also cited incomplete infrastructure contracting procedures, despite a Council of Ministers’ decision to address this. Moreover, the Baghdad Al-Karkh Health Directorate has not received the necessary authorization from the Ministry of Finance to proceed with crucial contracts.

The Al-Hurriya Hospital project is similarly stalled, primarily due to non-payment of financial dues to the implementing company. The investigation documented 3,285 days of stoppages attributed to various obstacles, including land reception issues, weather conditions, official holidays, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report recommended that the Ministry of Planning work with the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers to finalize the inclusion of medical equipment and furniture components for Al-Sha’la Hospital. It also urged the Ministry of Health to release part of the outstanding payments to contractors and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance to allocate the increased project costs within the investment projects budget. This would facilitate the signing of infrastructure contracts with the Ministries of Electricity and Communications, resolving connectivity issues for both projects.