Iraq: training doctors and nurses
22-12-2010 Feature
ICRC support for the Iraqi health-care system focuses on enhancing emergency response. This includes running courses for doctors and nurses, in coordination with the authorities.
In many regions, and especially in rural areas and those most affected by conflict and other forms of violence, health services cannot always meet the needs of the civilian population. The ICRC is working to meet the most urgent needs and to ensure that people have adequate access to medical care. With the agreement of the local authorities, the organization is repairing health facilities, supporting a dozen primary health-care centres and helping to train medical personnel.
Furman Jalal
Furman Jalal has been working at Kirkuk General Hospital since 2003 and currently heads the emergency department there. He graduated from the Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute in 1991 and has now acquired 18 years emergency service experience.
Furman attended the ICRC Emergency Services course for doctors and nurses, which he described as highly significant. Despite his experience, he says the course has helped him organize his work better. "This course is helping me and my colleagues to provide improved emergency services," was his assessment.
Furman is now passing on what he learned to his colleagues at the hospital.
Peshtwan Abdul-Rahman
Peshtwan graduated from the Faculty of Nursing in 2007.
"The course was very helpful. It gave us an in-depth and comprehensive overview of emergency services, including aspects I was not aware of. We also learned several useful techniques," he said. "I'm glad I was part of it."
Mohammed and Salem
Mohammed graduated from Kirkuk Technical Medical Institute in 2005, while Salem graduated from the College of Nursing in 2007. They met while working in the emergency unit of Kirkuk General Hospital, but the difficulties and frustrations of working on an emergency ward prompted them both to transfer to the surgical department.
After passing the ICRC/Ministry of Health training course, Mohammed and Salem are currently giving lectures on emergency services to other staff at Kirkuk General Hospital.
