Iraq health minister says delayed doctors’ salaries process is complete

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s Health Minister Abdulhussein Al-Musaawi said administrative and financial procedures have been completed for the salaries of doctors in specialty training whose pay has been delayed for three months. Al-Musaawi said the ministry met all required conditions with the Finance Ministry under direct coordination and support from the prime minister. He said salary payments will begin at the start of next week after final counting procedures are completed. The ministry also instructed health directorates in Baghdad and the provinces to immediately include the doctors in their food allowances. Al-Musaawi said the rights of health staff should be handled within the law. He also ordered the ministry’s planning unit to prepare a comprehensive study on more flexible transfers for doctors between provinces and health departments. Al-Musaawi called on the doctors in specialty training to end their strike and return to work.