Soran Hospital denies staff boycott, clarifies infant death case amid public salary unrest

SORAN — Soran Hospital denied reports of a staff boycott on Monday, following widespread public concern over the death of an infant and alleged neglect of a mother during childbirth. In an official statement, the hospital rejected claims of disruption and emphasized that medical services have continued without interruption.

“There was no boycott or disruption,” the hospital said. “Operations proceeded regularly. Just yesterday, 630 patients received necessary treatment, and 12 major surgeries were performed successfully.”

The statement comes amid growing frustration across the Kurdistan Region, where delayed salary payments have prompted strikes and walkouts by public sector employees — especially in Sulaymaniyah governorate. Health workers, teachers and civil servants have staged protests over nonpayment for the months of May and June, a result of a financial impasse between the Kurdistan Regional Government and Baghdad.

Addressing the specific case that sparked public outcry, the hospital said the mother initially arrived at 1:30 p.m. and was placed under medical supervision. “She left the hospital on her own request without consultation,” the hospital said. When she returned several hours later, she was promptly admitted and referred to the operating room by a specialist.

Doctors discovered the patient had uterine didelphys, a rare congenital condition affecting the uterus, and noted she had previously suffered four miscarriages. According to the statement, the mother underwent all necessary medical and surgical procedures and survived. However, due to complications associated with her condition, the infant could not be saved.

The hospital also said the patient’s husband was informed of her condition and present during surgery. “He later expressed deep gratitude to the doctors and staff,” the statement added.