SUPPORT-SYSTEMS (14) Q1 What does civil society participation in health policy mean? Why is it important? (5)

11 May, 2022

I would like to reflect a little on the role of civil society in the Iraqi healthcare system. I think civil society organisations (and groups) can be categorised into two main groups in Iraq; one that are truly grassroot and representative of a section of the society (few and rare and not very influential) and ones that are affiliated with political parties and/or linked in one way or another to the government (more powerful). For example, the doctors and nurses syndicates have administrative powers such as issuing clinic registrations, individual license, membership fees...etc in their respective professions. These professional associations and syndicates are controlled by political parties (often those in power) and are in fact used as the political party's medical profession branch. They also function as an incubator for future political leaders, ministers of health, directors of health...etc.

The less powerful, grassroot, voluntary associations of patient groups, public health organisations...etc are more loosely structured and have limited access to decision and policymaking.

I am not sure if it is even appropriate to call the first category (civil society).

Just few thoughts to share on this important topic

HIFA profile: Goran Zangana is a medical doctor and Associate Research Fellow with the Middle East Research Institute, Iraq. He is a HIFA country representative for Iraq and is currently based in the UK. He is the current holder of Country Representative of the Year 2021.

https://www.hifa.org/support/members/goran

goran.zangana AT meri-k.org