Dr. Haider Al-Abadi, head of the Health and Medical Education Authority at the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, highlighted the significant progress made by the institution over the past five years, noting its expansion to three main branches providing specialized medical services to cancer patients, including complex bone marrow transplants.

Treatment Achievements and Growing Demand

Al-Abadi attributed the institution's improving recovery rates to advanced treatment protocols and integrated medical care. Children account for more than 20% of its patients, alongside adults from various Iraqi provinces. He acknowledged the growing pressure on healthcare facilities amid rising cancer cases nationwide, reaffirming the shrine's commitment to providing comprehensive, free treatment for all children with cancer.

Future Plans and Strategic Expansion

Outlining future plans, Al-Abadi announced an ambitious expansion strategy that includes establishing a world-class oncology hospital with 800 to 1,000 beds and a specialized bone marrow transplant center with a capacity of up to 100 beds. The Authority also plans to open branch centers across all Iraqi governorates to bring routine treatments closer to patients and reduce the burden of travel, reserving visits to major centers for complex cases and procedures.

Community Support: A Key to Expansion

Al-Abadi stressed that achieving these projects requires collective efforts and sustained public support, alongside the shrine's contributions and the dedication of medical personnel. He proposed a community donation initiative, saying: "Imagine if one million Iraqi citizens each donated 1,000 dinars a day, making it part of their daily routine. Through this collective effort, we could establish one of the largest projects dedicated to providing the highest level of care to cancer patients and alleviating their suffering."

International Partnerships and Government Cooperation

He concluded by highlighting the institution's partnerships with leading international medical centers and reaffirming the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine's commitment to complementing government healthcare efforts and strengthening Iraq's medical services.

Abbas Najim