Baghdad: The Iraq Health Insurance and Cooperative Insurance Summit 2026 commenced on Saturday, marking a significant event under the patronage of the Minister of Health and Chairman of the Health Insurance Authority, Abdul Hussein Al-Moussawi. The summit saw participation from key figures, including the Undersecretary for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Health, Hani Moussa Bader, alongside several officials, specialists, and representatives from both public and private health sectors and insurance companies.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Undersecretary for Technical Affairs Hani Moussa Bader, speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, emphasized the transformation brought about by the Health Insurance Law. He noted its impact on enhancing medical and treatment services, alleviating financial burdens on citizens, and strengthening the partnership between public and private sectors. Bader highlighted ongoing efforts by the Health Insurance Authority to expand health coverage and advance digital transformation and governance, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the system. He stressed the shared responsibility of public and private health institutions and insurance companies in the success of the health insurance system.

Director General of the Health Insurance Fund, Ali Ahmed Obeid, highlighted the progress made in the comprehensive health insurance project launched in November 2023. He acknowledged that the system has already covered over 2.7 million citizens in Baghdad, with plans to expand to Najaf, Karbala, and Basra, and further include six additional governorates: Nineveh, Anbar, Dhi Qar, Babylon, Maysan, and Kirkuk this year.

Obeid also announced the launch of Iraq’s first integrated digital health insurance system, featuring a medical file and electronic card for each insured individual. This system facilitates the linkage of healthcare providers within a unified network and incorporates electronic auditing mechanisms, enhancing integrity, transparency, and internal control in delivering health insurance services.