Iraq, 15 August 2022 – The World Health Organization (WHO), in cooperation with the directorates of health in Ninawa and Duhok governorates, inaugurated today a cardiac care unit in Shaikhan Hospital in Ninawa governorate.
The unit, established within the premises of the 100-bed hospital in Shaikhan, was fully rehabilitated and equipped with the latest medical technologies and equipment required for intensive care units.
The new centre will provide thousands of internally displaced persons and local communities with access to cardiovascular consultations and follow-up, as well as referral to other specialized health facilities to help reduce preventable morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular diseases.
"This unit comes as a new edifice that will provide the populations in Shaikhan with timely and adequate access to much-needed specialized health services," said Dr Ahmed Zouiten, WHO Representative in Iraq. "Investing in this intensive care unit is a step in the right direction as we strive to strengthen the package of services provided to populations as close as possible to their dwellings."
Shaikhan Hospital is the only general hospital in the district, serving a population of 140 000 with no cardiac care unit services, leading to the referral of 100–150 patients with cardiac conditions to distant hospitals in Mosul and Duhok per month. The unit will be operated by qualified physicians trained on cardiac case management.
The unit's establishment was made possible through the generous contribution of the Government and the people of Canada, with a total value of US$ 161 515.