HEALTH STATUS OF ERBIL GOVERNORATE 1885-1975

Abstract

Erbil's healthcare has gone through various stages and periods، each stage left its impact on the health situation، especially due to political events. Generally، during the Ottoman era، hospitals consisted of two small rooms in the municipality building and often lacked a physician. However، during the British occupation، some minor changes occurred، with army officer-doctors treating patients، though their main objective was to prevent the spread of diseases to protect their own soldiers. After the establishment of the Iraqi government، the Ministry of Health، and the College of Medicine were established and brought about some changes، but they were by no means sufficient or met the demands of the population. Throughout the monarchy of Iraq، the health condition was poor، and it was even worse in districts، sub-districts، and villages. At the beginning of the July 14th، 1958 revolution، some changes occurred، and the health situation improved compared to previous stages. However، political events such as military coups and the emergence of the September 1961 revolution in Kurdistan impacted all aspects of life، especially healthcare. All these factors together had a significant impact on the health condition. This led to the healthcare sector in Erbil not developing adequately in terms of facilities، number of hospitals، health centers، doctors، and staff، failing to keep pace with the city's expansion and populationgrowth. The scarcity of allocated budgets was another factor contributing to this situation.