Kurdistan Region’s Health Minister announced that smuggled medicine no longer exists in the region and that drug prices have dropped by 17% to 20%. He said the government’s reforms have brought strong progress in healthcare services, hospitals, and medicine supply across the region.
Dr. Saman Barzinji stated that Iraq’s federal budget sends only limited funds to Kurdistan for medicine, while the region itself provides most medical equipment and services. He added that local hospitals now operate around the clock, offering continuous treatment and surgeries. Over 1.5 million displaced and refugee patients also receive free healthcare in Kurdistan.
The minister confirmed that major healthcare projects have been completed, including new hospitals and treatment centers. However, he noted that some facilities still need renovation and that every major city requires a dedicated medical complex. He also said patients no longer need to travel abroad for treatment except in very rare cases.
Dr. Barzinji explained that all private hospitals remain under government inspection, and their staff, laboratories, and medicines are officially registered. He revealed that cancer treatments are now available only in public hospitals, costing around $180,000 to $200,000 per patient, and that all 120 cancer drugs are provided locally.
According to the minister, 60–70% of medicines used to be smuggled, but now smuggled medicine has completely disappeared. As a result, 20 foreign companies that once supplied illegal drugs are now banned from operating. The medicine price reduction has saved about 239 billion dinars this year alone.
He also noted that cheaper semi-private surgeries have lowered overall medical costs in private hospitals. Dr. Barzinji promised further reviews to ensure fair medicine prices across Kurdistan.