X-ray unit in Duhok’s Sarsing sub-district reopens after five-year closure

DUHOK – After being closed for over five years, the x-ray unit at a health center in the Sarsing sub-district has reopened, officials from the Amedi Health Department announced. The reopening of the facility was made possible by securing the necessary equipment through the health budget and assigning a dedicated healthcare worker to the unit.

Sarsing, located in the Amedi district of Duhok Governorate, is one of six sub-districts and serves a population of over 23,000 residents. The area, along with the Qadish community, had lacked x-ray services due to staffing and equipment shortages. Amid district has two public hospitals and 27 health centers spread across its sub-districts, though most do not have x-ray capabilities, compelling residents from rural areas to travel to central hospitals in Amedi or Duhok.

Masoud Boti, deputy director of Amedi Health Department, explained to 964media that the prolonged closure was attributable to a lack of healthcare workers and the suspension of contracts and hiring within the region’s health sector. “We have now established this unit at the Gara Health Center and it will be operational soon,” Boti stated.

Efforts are underway to reintroduce x-ray services in other areas, particularly in the Qadish community, although staffing remains a primary challenge. “Our main issue is the lack of healthcare workers in the region,” Boti added, underscoring the challenges faced in providing comprehensive health services in remote areas.

As the x-ray unit becomes operational, four types of critical diagnostic services will be offered to the community at no charge.