Iraq needs up to $8 billion to revive neglected health sector

[Barrett808]

Iraq needs up to $8 billion to revive neglected health sector
By Agence France Presse (AFP)
Thursday, January 12, 2006

BAGHDAD: Iraq's neglected health system needs up to eight billion dollars over the next four years for reconstruction, the deputy health minister said. The U.S. pledged $786 million in 2004 to build clinics, repair neglected hospitals and buy modern medical equipment.

But some 25 percent of the money - which is fast running out - was spent on security as a bloody insurgency that emerged after the March 2003 US-led invasion targeted the projects, a U.S. health official said.

Asked in an interview how much money Iraq required to restore its health care system, which suffered decades of neglect under Saddam Hussein, Saffar said: "Over the next four years, we need seven to eight billion dollars just for reconstruction. This does not include the operational budget."

He warned, however, that Iraqi coffers alone were incapable of funding such an investment. "We are looking here and there for donations from the international community." Washington alone pledged to build and equip 150 primary healthcare centers to provide basic family doctor help to people at a community level.

But the number was cut to 142 because so much cash was spent on security, the U.S. health official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

(more)

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=21378

[High Plains]

1. We'd love to help you out, but we spent our billions destroying it.

Sorry.

[saigon68]

18. SENIORS IN THE U.S. NEED THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS

But according to the AWOL CHIMPANZEE they are unworthy for having "NOT SAVED" for their old age troubles.

[marmar]

2. So does the United States...

:think:

[Crazy Dave]

3. Damn....after all those threats to doctors not to count the civilian...

casualties or keep statistics or else risk death and maybe your hospital would lose rebuilding funds, they got screwed anyways. I hope someone has a hidden log somewhere.

"In Iraq, the US does eliminate those who dare to count the dead"
http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,2763,1366349,00.html

[Judi Lynn]

17. Excellent link.Glad to get the chance to save it to share with others.n/t.

[Vinca]

4. Well, if they get the cash for it

I know where I'll have to go to get health care.

[FloridaPat]

5. Where is all that oil money going?

[lovuian]

6. Ahem Americans need this billions for our healthcare

not that I'm selfish but we do need it...

[acmavm]

7. So, the Iraqis are now in the same boat I am. No health insurance, no

access to health care. I have a 13 year old son, he has the same problem.

The same f**king criminals made sure all of us have no damn health care. Sorry but get in line Iraqis.

[PerceptionManagement]

8. US needs $8 billion to revive neglected health care

Lets not give it to the Iraqi's

[datadiva]

9. You know I really feel sorry for you but

I had to forgo my blood pressure meds this month because I couldn't afford to pay for it. So forgive me if I don't fall all over myself because our president blew up your hospitals. :sarcasm: :rant:

[MichiganVote]

10. Freedom is not free--just ask the US taxpayer (not the rich ones)

[Mountainman]

11. Are we going to spend money on Iraqi health care while we won't spend

it for Americans or Medicade or Medical?

[shanti]

12. what about US????

charity begins at HOME!

[leftchick]

13. the US needs about three times that

oh well, bombs are more profitable.

[HuffleClaw]

14. 'security' ?

they spent half of iraq's 'reconstruction' money on 'security'. translation: money to halliburton and blackwater...

[Orrin_73]

15. I hate to say this but under Saddam

Iraq had the best healthcare system in the middle east after Israel. The tyrant did care for his people.

[enigma000]

19. Best health care?

take a look at this chart:
http://www.stat.gouv.qc.ca/donstat/econm_finnc/conjn_econm/compr_inter/pdf/sante-ang.pdf

Iraq's 2002 health care spending was 1.5% of GDP. Which placed it, if I'm correct, dead last. Is there another website I should be aware of?

[Orrin_73]

20. I ment before the first gulf war

not in 1991-2002

[Hotler]

16. Didn't they lose $8 billion in cash when Bremmer was there???

Go look for some of that. A good place to start would be with Cheney and friends.