Iraq says delayed doctors’ salary procedures have been completed

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Health Minister Abdullhussein al-Musewi said procedures have been completed for the salaries of contracted doctors whose pay has been delayed for three months. He said the ministry finished all administrative requirements with the Finance Ministry under the prime minister’s direct coordination and support. Al-Musewi said the Finance Ministry can begin payments at the start of next week once final census procedures are completed. The Health Ministry also instructed all health directorates in Baghdad and the provinces to provide the doctors with their food allowances immediately. He called on doctors to end their protest and return to work, and said he would be with them in emergency departments. Al-Musewi added that the Council of Ministers had given a firm commitment on personnel grade and receivables files. He said gradual solutions were also being sought for the remaining files of the 2023 and 2025 graduates.