The Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain announced on Saturday the launch of the “Imam Hussain’s Gift” initiative, which will provide free medical treatment at its affiliated teaching hospitals for one full year.

In a statement received by Karbala Now, the Holy Shrine said that Al-Sibtayn University for Medical Sciences has launched the “Imam Hussain’s Gift: Sustainable Medical Initiative” as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen its humanitarian and social role. The initiative will offer free healthcare services to patients admitted to the teaching wards and general wings of hospitals operated by the Holy Shrine.

According to the statement, the initiative was launched under the guidance of the representative of the Supreme Religious Authority, Sheikh Abdul-Mahdi Al-Karbalaey, coinciding with the beginning of the holy month of Muharram. It builds on the Shrine’s expanding healthcare and public service programs, particularly in the medical sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years.

Mohammed Fawzi Al-Qanbar, Dean of the College of Medicine at Al-Sibtayn University for Medical Sciences, said the initiative reflects a vision of integrating academic medical education with direct healthcare services. He explained that patients will be able to receive treatment at the Holy Shrine’s healthcare facilities without incurring financial costs.

The program covers Imam Zain Al-Abidin Hospital and Khadija Al-Kubra Specialized Hospital for Women, where patients requiring hospitalization and continuous medical monitoring will receive care in designated wards. Services will be delivered under the direct supervision of university faculty members and specialized medical teams.

Al-Qanbar noted that the initiative focuses on non-surgical cases that require inpatient care and therapeutic follow-up. He emphasized that all services will be provided according to professional medical standards to ensure safe and comprehensive treatment.

He further stressed the initiative’s sustainable nature, noting that it is not limited to a specific season or occasion but will continue throughout the year. The program is expected to improve access to quality healthcare while easing the financial burden of medical treatment on citizens.

The statement concluded that the initiative is part of a broader series of medical and educational projects undertaken by the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain. These efforts aim to develop an integrated healthcare system that combines academic expertise, medical excellence, and humanitarian service, contributing to higher healthcare standards in Iraq and reinforcing social responsibility among religious and educational institutions.