Kurdistan Region health minister says Hewava Hospital meets 85% of cancer treatment needs

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — Kurdistan Region Health Minister Saman Barzinji said the regional government allocated about 28 billion Iraqi dinars to Hewava Hospital in Sulaymaniyah for 2025, with the funds directed toward medicines, medical supplies and equipment for cancer patients. Speaking at a press conference at the hospital, Barzinji said the facility currently covers 85% of cancer treatments provided to patients, with the same share of required surgeries carried out on site. Barzinji said 3 billion dinars of the 2025 allocation were set aside for the purchase of daily-use medical devices, while 12 billion dinars have been earmarked for medicines to be procured in the first half of 2026. The minister said the medicines and supplies are distributed to both inpatient and outpatient cases. The minister acknowledged ongoing difficulties in supplying some medical materials, attributing the shortfall to financial and administrative strains affecting the health sector. He said the Health Ministry is coordinating with the Kurdistan Region's Finance Ministry to address the issues and has drawn up plans to keep services running for cancer patients.