Iraq’s Ministry of Health building
Health Ministry denies claims of pay cuts for doctors working in private clinics
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Health on Saturday denied reports circulating on social media that the government has halted salaries for doctors working in private clinics, saying no such decision or directive has been issued.
Health Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr said in a statement received by 964media that the claims were false. “I deny what has been circulated regarding the suspension of government salaries for doctors working in private clinics,” he said.
He added, “The ministry confirms that the circulated news is incorrect and unfounded, and no directive or decision has been issued by the government or the Ministry of Health in this regard.”
Posts circulating online had attributed statements to the Iraqi Council of Ministers claiming it was studying a suspension of public sector salaries for doctors working in private clinics, citing concerns over public fund waste and conflict of interest, and suggesting doctors should choose between government or private work.