Basra: Basra Provincial Council member Zahraa al-Salmi has issued a stark warning about the rising incidence of cancer among residents living near oil fields in the region. Al-Salmi called for the urgent establishment of a swift mechanism to provide treatment for those affected, emphasizing the need for specialized and advanced care both within Iraq and internationally, due to the heightened vulnerability of these communities.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Salmi highlighted in a press statement that the residents living near these oil operations are often marginalized and require genuine attention from all legislative and executive bodies, at both federal and local levels. She noted that the prevalence of these diseases is not confined to the northern areas but has spread across Basra. Al-Salmi pointed out the paradox where, despite the harmful impact of oil wells on citizens’ health, the Iraqi state continues to benefit from the revenue generated by these operations.

Al-Salmi emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure the provision of necessary medical treatments for the affected individuals. This should be facilitated through a mechanism set by the relevant authorities, tailored to address the specific cases of varying types of diseases. She issued a stern warning to all concerned parties about the dangers of neglecting this critical issue, stressing that ongoing disregard would lead to a slow and senseless demise for the residents living near the oil fields.