New health and electricity directors appointed
Najaf authorities address demands after protests in Al-Mishkhab
NAJAF – Authorities in Najaf met with protesters on Wednesday evening at Al-Mishkhab Hospital after three days of continuous protests in the Al-Mishkhab district. The meeting resulted in the selection of Dr. Sahab Rashid as the new director of the health sector in Al-Mishkhab, replacing the incumbent Naheel Al-Muhanna, 964media has learned. Additionally, Alaa Al-Khatib has taken over as the city’s electricity director, replacing Rahman Al-Karawi.
“We staged large protests a week ago for three days to demand the improvement of public services in the city. We submitted our demands to the officials, including holding a meeting with representatives from the Najaf government who have the authority to fulfill the protesters’ demands,” activist Hassan Al-Fatlawi told 964media.
Protests began on July 24, with demonstrators closing the bridge between Al-Mishkhab and Abu Sakhir by burning tires. They demanded improved public services, the dismissal of heads of service departments in health and electricity, the completion of Al-Mishkhab General Hospital’s requirements, the handover of completed schools, and an end to the use of caravan schools. Protesters gave the local government in Najaf 15 days to meet their demands.
Protesters reported several key decisions were made, awaiting further decisions to replace other service department heads as suitable replacements become available.
The district suffers from a lack of school buildings, with approximately eight caravan schools and schools with multiple shifts. The Directorate of Education quickly opened two new schools on the outskirts of Al-Mishkhab, promising two more. Civil activist Al-Fatlawi posted videos on social media over two days, documenting the dilapidated caravan classrooms and severely damaged sanitary facilities. He directed sharp criticisms at provincial and Ministry of Education officials.
Health department representatives recommended assigning several specialist and anesthesiologist doctors to Al-Mishkhab Hospital, extending surgical operations to run 24 hours a day, and opening a unit for premature infants. Currently, surgical operations only run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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