Dr. Dashti Dizayee
'Devoted to the people'
Prominent Kurdistan Region physician Dashti Dizayee dies at 80
ERBIL — Dr. Dashti Dizayee, a distinguished physician and respected figure in the Kurdistan Region’s medical community, passed away Saturday in Erbil at the age of 80.
Kurdistan Regional Government Health Minister Saman Barzinji confirmed Dizayee’s death in a Facebook post, sharing a photo with the late doctor and offering condolences. Born in 1945, Dizayee was renowned for his expertise in internal medicine and served as a long-time professor, shaping the medical education of numerous generations of doctors in Kurdistan.
His brother, Ahmed Dizayee, told 964media, “He suffered from complications related to kidney failure. We decided to proceed with a kidney transplant, but the surgery was unsuccessful. As a result, he needed daily dialysis. Unfortunately, he passed away today at Zhin Hospital.” Dr. Dizayee will be laid to rest in the Qurshaghlu Cemetery in Erbil.
In his statement, Barzinji wrote, “He was a pioneering physician in Kurdistan’s medical field, a lovable loyal and devoted to the people. He provided numerous humanitarian services to the poor and citizens, treated illnesses, contributed to academia, and trained many generations of doctors.”
Barzinji added, “He played an important and historical role in offering health services to the heroic Peshmerga and supporting the Kurdish liberation movement. With consistency and tireless effort, he provided extensive service to the people, and mentored many academics.”
Dr. Dizayee earned his bachelor’s degree in medicine in Baghdad, then obtained a doctorate from the Royal College of Physicians in London. He began practicing in Erbil in 1978 and remained active in the medical field for decades.