raq is taking a major step in healthcare. The government signed three new preliminary agreements with global companies to boost Iraq’s pharmaceutical sector. The signing took place in Baghdad under the auspices of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.
The agreements focus on technologies for treating cancer and other serious diseases. This move aims to strengthen Iraq’s healthcare infrastructure and increase local production. It also creates new opportunities to attract private sector investment.
The Ministry of Industry recently approved the establishment of three new industrial cities. One of them will be the country’s first pharmaceutical industrial city. The decision followed detailed studies on production costs, infrastructure, and legal requirements.
Ministry spokesperson Doha al-Jubouri announced in late September that a 708,000-square-meter pharmaceutical city will be built in Babil province. Additionally, a 2,000,000-square-meter complex for food, light, and medium industries will also be established in the same region.
Deputy Health Minister Hani al-Oqabi said in July that the agreement with French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi marks a major milestone for Iraq’s pharmaceutical sector. According to him, this partnership will help bring modern production technologies into the country.
The Prime Minister’s advisor for industry and private sector development, Hammoudi al-Lami, revealed that the British-Swedish company AstraZeneca is also considering building a production facility in Iraq. Furthermore, U.S. healthcare company Baxter and several Gulf-based firms have expressed interest in entering the Iraqi market.
All these steps align with the government’s vision to strengthen the healthcare sector. Officials believe these strategic investments will help Iraq’s pharmaceutical sector become a regional hub. Iraq is now taking firm steps to reduce dependency on imports and build its own production strength.
