Doctor’s free eye consultation initiative eases burden on low-income families in Iraq

SALAH AL-DIN — As Ramadan begins, Dr. Muntadhar Rashid, an ophthalmologist based in Dujail, has launched a humanitarian initiative offering free consultations during the first week of the holy month. The program is designed to ease the financial burden on low-income families, and Rashid plans to extend his efforts to Baghdad and Karbala in the coming weeks.

“I launched this initiative to support poor families, but it’s difficult to ask patients if they can afford the consultation fee,” Rashid told 964media. “That’s why we made it free for the entire first week of Ramadan for all patients, so we can help as many people as possible.”

Medical consultation fees typically reach 25,000 dinars ($17), an expense that can strain already tight household budgets.

Patients have welcomed the effort, praising its impact on their communities. “The initiative will last for a week in Dujail, two weeks in Karbala, and a week in Baghdad—all for free,” Rashid said. “We consider these people our own, and our goal is to earn their satisfaction.”

Rashid urged fellow doctors to follow suit in supporting those in need. “Our initiative continues to support low-income families and the poor. I call on doctors to step up and help patients—there are many people who need support,” he said.

Patients expressed gratitude for the program, noting the challenges of accessing affordable medical care. “We heard about the initiative and came. We live on the outskirts of Dujail, and many people told us the doctor is very kind,” said Tayba Jabbar, a patient. “This is a great initiative because it helps people and eases their burden. Some doctors charge 25,000 dinars ($17), and many people can’t afford to visit them.”

Nawar Hamid, another patient, praised Rashid’s ongoing generosity. “This is a wonderful initiative, and I have been seeing Dr. Rashid for a while now. This isn’t the first time he has done this,” he said. “He deserves all the appreciation, and I hope other doctors will follow his example to support struggling families.”