Iraqi Health Minister Won't Renew Hospital Operating Contracts

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Health Minister Abdulhusein al-Mousawi said his ministry will not renew operating and management contracts for modern hospitals in their current form. Mousawi said a review of the agreements, conducted in consultation with experts, found the contracts were unfair and contained gaps. He said no contract would be extended without modifications. The minister said the changes aim to protect public assets and improve healthcare delivery to citizens. The decision came two days after the ministry ordered a comprehensive review of contracts across all its central and provincial units. The move aligns with a broader campaign by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to review ministry contracts and conduct investigations into public institutions.