The Kurdistan Region took a major step forward in healthcare infrastructure today. Officials officially laid the foundation stone for the new Dasen pharmaceutical facility. This state-of-the-art complex is located within the Zakho Independent Administration. The strategic factory will focus on producing crucial intravenous fluids and other essential liquid medical supplies for hospitals. Consequently, the region expects to reduce its heavy dependence on imported medical goods. Local production will help secure the domestic supply chain against future shortages.
KRG Health Minister Dr. Saman Barzinji led the groundbreaking ceremony and stated that the project aligns with Prime Minister Masrour Barzani’s economic agenda. Specifically, the Ninth Cabinet aims to attract private investment to expand local industrial capacity.
The minister also announced strict new regulations for the pharmaceutical sector. The government has recently introduced twelve comprehensive regulatory directives governing local manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, and pharmacies. Dr. Barzinji acknowledged that smugglers had previously brought counterfeit medicines across the borders. However, authorities now maintain full control over the pharmaceutical market and have successfully dismantled these illegal networks.
The government has also targeted high medicine prices to protect citizens. The Ministry of Health reviewed thousands of medications, resulting in price reductions for more than 8,000 types of drugs. According to officials, these reforms saved citizens approximately 295 billion Iraqi dinars between 2024 and 2025.
To preserve these savings, the ministry launched a centralized electronic tracking system. This digital platform prevents pharmacies from overcharging patients and ensures consistent, fair pricing across the market.
The Zakho factory represents a significant shift in regional healthcare policy. By combining local manufacturing with strict price controls, the KRG is working to build a more transparent, affordable, and self-reliant medical supply chain.