First Iraqi Medical Congress in London tackles healthcare future, uniting global expertise
The opening session, attended by the Iraqi Ambassador to the United Kingdom, featured contributions from a host of Iraqi medical experts. The keynote lecture by Dr. Jaffar Allawi addressed the major challenges in managing diabetes in Iraq, setting a forward-thinking tone for the congress. He emphasized that effective treatment must begin with early diagnosis and lifestyle changes, not medication alone, underscoring the need to build a fair and efficient healthcare system rooted in prevention.
A key partner in the event, the Authority of Health and Medical Education (AHEAD), affiliated with the Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain and the Gold Sponsor of IQMC 2025, reaffirmed its commitment to advancing healthcare in Iraq through education and innovation. AHEAD's involvement, representing a network of over 25 hospitals and universities, highlights a strong push from within Iraq to develop a more sustainable local healthcare system.
Specialized frontiers and systemic solutions
The congress delved into specialized fields with high-level presentations. Professor Mohammed Sami Al-Abbadi, President of IQMC and a consultant dermatologist, focused on advancements in dermatology and cosmetics. He highlighted the role of technology in enhancing diagnosis and stressed the importance of integrating cosmetic practices within a disciplined scientific and ethical framework to ensure patient safety amidst the specialty's rapid expansion.
In another key session, ophthalmology expert Professor Moemen Al Reefy discussed the latest innovations in everyday eye care, from early diagnostic techniques to laser therapies. He emphasized that improving eye health across Iraq depends not only on technology but also on training medical staff and raising public awareness about early diagnosis.
A pivotal discussion on health insurance featured a panel including Dr. Yasser Haba, Dr. Hani Al-Akbi, Dr. Yasir Sabri, and Dr. Majid Shingali. They framed health insurance as a critical need and opportunity for Iraq, despite challenges like weak administrative infrastructure and high medication prices. The panel concluded with key recommendations for building an effective system, including enacting inclusive legislation that guarantees coverage for all, creating a unified health database, ensuring fair drug pricing, and linking providers to a smart oversight system based on transparent performance indicators.
The first Iraqi Medical Congress in London successfully brought together influential voices to not only discuss cutting-edge medical advancements but also to lay the groundwork for systemic reforms. The shared belief in collaboration between local and diaspora experts emerged as the key theme, fostering a unified vision for a sustainable and inclusive healthcare future for all Iraqis.
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