Residents and health officials at odds in Najaf over barren park

NAJAF, August 31 — The residents of Maysan neighborhood in Najaf and officials in the area are at odds over what to do with a derelict park, with locals calling for the space to be renovated, while the local health directorate has submitted plans to build a new cardiology hospital on the site.

Medical Complex Park sits on a .2 hectare lot near other health facilities, such as the local blood bank, burn victims’ hospital, cancer hospital, AIDS center, and dental clinic. Neglected over the years, the park has become a barren refuge for stray dogs, and a trash dump.

Locals, however, are urging for the park’s revitalization.

Dr. Dargham Al-Sarakh, a dentist, stated that the park has suffered from neglect for years, and the real reason behind this is unclear. The park is crucial for patients who are left standing or sitting under the scorching sun, waiting to be seen by a doctor, he said.

Hasan Ali, a patient’s companion, described the park as a dumping ground for waste and a refuge for stray dogs. He emphasized that the current state of the park, located near the city’s essential healthcare centers, is unreasonable. With no waiting rooms in the healthcare centers, people are forced to sit in the park. He urged an immediate solution to the problem.

Maher Al-Aboudi, Director of Health Media in Najaf, revealed that a request has been submitted to the Ministry of Health to demolish the park and construct an expanded open-heart surgery hospital. A tender will be announced to bring in reputable companies that adhere to global standards, he added.