Masrour Barzani emphasizes rising cancer rates, calls for aid to Cancer Patients Fund
Peregraf
The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has stated that the occurrence of cancer is increasing, expressing hope that both the private sector and the public will contribute to the Fund for Assisting Cancer Patients. Meanwhile, the KRG Health Minister claims that, “thanks to the Prime Minister's support, the cancer rate remains below international standards”.
Today, KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani inaugurated the foundation stone for the largest cancer treatment hospital in Erbil. Spanning an area of 30,000 square meters, the facility will feature 150 patient beds, including 100 dedicated to chemotherapy, and will comprise five floors. The completion of this hospital is anticipated within a two-year timeframe.
Dr. Saman Barzanji, the KRG Minister of Health for the Kurdistan Regional Government, stated at the ceremony, "The incidence of cancer cases recorded in Kurdistan is lower than the global average, with a rate of 0.15 percent in Kurdistan compared to 0.19 percent worldwide." He further noted, "Internationally, there are approximately 190 cancer cases reported per 100,000 individuals each year, whereas Kurdistan reports 151 cases."
The Minister of Health attributed the low cancer rate to "the accomplishments of the Kurdistan Region and the direct support of the Prime Minister." He further stated, "With the establishment of the ninth government cabinet, the Prime Minister has augmented the budget allocated to all cancer centers."
Barzanji stated that approximately 250 medications are utilized in the treatment of cancer, with around 120 of these being high-cost chemotherapy drugs, the expenses of which are “fully covered by the government. He claimed that “the KRG has successfully facilitated 90 percent of cancer treatment”.
The Minister of Health stated that over the course of four years, from 2020 to the conclusion of 2023, the provision of drugs and medical supplies for cancer has exceeded 285 billion dinars. Estimates suggest that the cost for each cancer patient ranges between $180,000 and $200,000.
In a speech delivered at the ceremony, Prime Minister Masrour Barzani described the reform of the health system as one of the "initial endeavors." However, he also recognized that "the health sector continues to require significant services and reforms."
The Prime Minister of the KRG stated that “it is essential for both the public and private sectors within the health industry to evolve in a balanced and concurrent manner”. He emphasized “the need for enhancements in the quality and standard of services provided by the public health sector, ensuring that citizens feel at ease and have access to adequate services in public hospitals”.
“We have implemented several practical measures in this context and have directed my office to collaborate with the Ministry of Health on a pilot project aimed at enhancing various public sector hospitals, including Rzgari Hospital in Erbil, which is one of the largest hospitals in Kurdistan,” as stated by Masrour Barzani.
Barzani stated that “the incidence of cancer in this region has risen in line with global trends, emphasizing the necessity of diligently addressing the underlying causes of cancer and ensuring optimal treatment options for our patients”.
The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the Fund for Assisting Cancer Patients, stating, "We are committed to supporting this Fund." He further expressed his hope that both the private sector and individuals will contribute to the fund in accordance with their capabilities.