Iraqi MP Mudhar Al-Karawi has revealed that parliament is taking action over the delayed salaries of contracted doctors from the 2024 intake who have been working in government hospitals without pay for more than four months.
Al-Karawi said the doctors’ strike has gained support within parliament, with lawmakers pushing for urgent measures to address the issue. He explained that steps have already been taken to involve the Speaker of Parliament in order to increase pressure on the government and the Ministry of Health to release the overdue salaries as quickly as possible.
According to Al-Karawi, the issue goes beyond delayed payments. Parliamentary efforts are also focused on finding a long-term solution for the doctors by addressing their employment status and working toward permanent appointments.
He noted that the affected doctors number in the thousands and are working across healthcare facilities throughout Iraq. Despite carrying out the same responsibilities as their colleagues, many have gone months without receiving their financial entitlements.
Al-Karawi described the continued delay in salary payments as unacceptable and said the government must provide clear explanations for the situation. He called on the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant authorities to clarify the reasons behind the delay and take immediate action to resolve the problem.
The lawmaker stressed that these doctors play an important role in supporting Iraq’s healthcare system and that their concerns should be addressed without further delay. He urged authorities to intervene quickly to end the financial hardship facing the affected medical professionals and ensure they receive the salaries they have earned.
The issue has become a growing concern as doctors continue to demand payment of their overdue wages while also seeking greater job security through permanent employment within the public health sector.
