Kirkuk Doctors Stage Third Sit-In Over Residency Posts, Unpaid Benefits

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Doctors in Kirkuk staged their third sit-in this week on Tuesday, demanding the appointment of medical residents to permanent positions and the payment of outstanding financial benefits. The protesters said the demonstrations reflected concerns about professional responsibilities and the future of the healthcare system. Dr. Mohammed Fatih Haseb, a participating physician, said the action was not intended to disrupt services and that staff would continue treating emergency and life-saving cases. Haseb said medical residents bear the primary burden of direct patient care in hospitals and function as a link between specialist physicians and patients. He warned that delayed appointments could weaken the healthcare system, increase pressure on existing doctors, and create gaps in training and specialization. Separately, doctors in Anbar province held their own protest Tuesday morning, gathering outside the provincial medical association building over delayed salaries and unpaid benefits.