The Ministry of Health has announced an attempt to raise the price of medical tests at the Heart Center to 200,000 dinars. However, in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok, the decision has been blocked from implementation.

Price Increase and Exploitation Concerns
Dr. Rahel Faraidoon, advisor for the Ministry of Health, stated that the government intends to raise the cost of tests and CT scans at the Heart Center in Sulaymaniyah to 200,000 dinars. He described this step as “exploitation,” stressing that it does not serve the public interest.

Patients Traveling from Erbil to Sulaymaniyah
He revealed that many patients from Erbil travel to the Heart Center in Sulaymaniyah for scans, because the cost of CT scans in Erbil is significantly higher. In contrast, some private hospitals offer the same tests for as little as 50,000 dinars.

Rejection of Decisions in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok
Dr. Fereidoun emphasized that although the decisions and directives regarding the Heart Center were issued by the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Health, authorities in Sulaymaniyah and Duhok have so far refused to implement them, arguing that they are not in the public’s interest.

Risks of Privatization
Regarding the role of private companies, the Health Ministry spokesperson warned against handing over all healthcare services to private firms, where profits would benefit companies but harm the public. He urged that healthcare services should not be monopolized by a single group of companies.