Baghdad: Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the importance of the health sector in embodying the relationship between citizens and the state. Speaking during the inauguration of the third phase of the rehabilitation work at the Central Children’s Hospital in Baghdad, al-Sudani highlighted the significance of the hospital as one of the most important specialized medical centers in the city.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Prime Minister remarked that the rehabilitation project, executed by the service and engineering team, aims to accommodate the large number of patients and improve medical and treatment services. Al-Sudani stated, “The government believes in the importance of providing health and treatment services to citizens and developing the health sector, because the relationship between citizens and the state is embodied in the services they receive, especially those related to the health sector.”

He elaborated on the developments in the third phase, which added 86 beds and renovated pediatric wards, as well as areas for infectious diseases, respiratory care, intensive care, and surgery. The hospital reportedly handles more than 300 consultations, 100 emergency cases, and performs about 60 surgeries daily. Al-Sudani expressed confidence in the healthcare staff to deliver optimal services.

The Prime Minister further detailed ongoing efforts to expand healthcare infrastructure, including renovating numerous hospitals, establishing new facilities with 100-bed capacities, and completing larger hospitals with capacities of 400 beds or more across various governorates. He noted the opening of 22 hospitals in the last three years, with a goal of reaching a capacity of 60,000 beds upon completion of current projects.

Al-Sudani praised the service and engineering team’s efficiency in executing projects swiftly and cost-effectively. He emphasized the importance of providing timely services across sectors, crediting the team’s efforts for their significant impact.

In closing, the Prime Minister expressed hope for continued improvement in service provision through rehabilitated institutions, following the full reopening of the Central Children’s Hospital in Karkh at its 400-bed capacity.