In a landmark development, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani inaugurated Al-Shaab General Hospital on Saturday, making it Baghdad’s first public hospital to open in nearly four decades. Situated in the Al-Rusafa district, the state-of-the-art facility aims to address the critical healthcare shortage in Iraq’s rapidly growing capital, now home to over 9 million residents.
A Long-Awaited Healthcare Milestone
Since the last major hospital opening in 1986, Baghdad’s population has doubled, overwhelming the city’s limited healthcare infrastructure. Al-Shaab General Hospital seeks to alleviate this strain, offering:
- 246 beds, including:
- 200 general beds
- 24 emergency beds
- 21 intensive care beds with neonatal incubators
- 8 advanced operating rooms for general surgery, obstetrics, orthopedics, and ophthalmology
Spanning 16 dunams, the hospital includes outpatient clinics, surgical units, laboratories, and staff accommodations, with landscaped gardens enhancing its patient-friendly design.
Modern Healthcare for Modern Needs
Al-Shaab General Hospital is designed to set a new benchmark in public healthcare, operating with an integrated electronic system to streamline services and enhance efficiency.
Key Features of the Electronic System:
- Barcode Identification: Streamlined check-ins and consultations
- Digital Monitoring: Integration across outpatient clinics, emergency rooms, and operating theaters
- Improved Patient Experience: Reduced wait times and more transparent services
Health Minister Saleh Al-Hasnawi emphasized the hospital’s role in providing efficient, high-quality care, adhering to international standards.
Collaborative Efforts Behind the Project
The hospital is the result of collaboration between local and international teams:
- Design: Spanish architects
- Construction: An Iraqi company based in Baghdad
- Management: A Turkish firm overseeing operations, maintenance, and staffing
Prime Minister Al-Sudani underscored the importance of maintaining high healthcare standards, stating:
“Success will be measured by the satisfaction of citizens and the quality of care provided.”
Accessible and Affordable Care
To ensure equitable access, Al-Shaab General Hospital’s fees align with Iraq’s public healthcare system:
- 3,000 IQD per ticket
- 1,000 IQD for medication
The hospital also includes a private wing with 50 beds, offering additional services in line with the Ministry of Health’s private care model.
A New Chapter for Baghdad’s Healthcare
The opening of Al-Shaab General Hospital is expected to:
- Relieve pressure on overburdened facilities in Al-Rusafa
- Improve access to healthcare for underserved communities
- Serve as a model for modern hospital management in Iraq
“This hospital ensures that patients receive world-class care without needing to seek treatment abroad,” said Health Minister Al-Hasnawi.
With its inauguration, Al-Shaab General Hospital marks a renewed commitment to improving Iraq’s healthcare system. Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s focus on completing delayed projects has already resulted in over half of Iraq’s stalled initiatives being finalized. Following a brief sterilization period, the hospital will soon open its doors, signaling a brighter future for healthcare in Baghdad.
