Page 76 - GHES-3-3

Global Health Economics and
Sustainability
Pharmaceutical system in Iraq

Table 1. (Continued)
Institution Location Type Year of Establishment Degree
AlNoor University College Ninevah Private 2018 BSc
Alhaba University College Ninevah Private 2018 BSc
University of Al-Ameed Kerbela Private 2019 BSc
Al-Zaharaa University for Women Kerbela Private 2019 BSc
Alturath University College Baghdad Private 2020 BSc
Al-Knooze University College Basrah Private 2020 BSc
Al-Farabi University College Baghdad Private 2020 BSc
Basrah University College of Science and Technology Basrah Private 2020 BSc
University of Mashreq Baghdad Private 2020 BSc
Almaaqal University Basrah Private 2020 BSc
Al-Maaref University College Anbar Private 2021 BSc
Al-Qalam University College Kirkuk Private 2021 BSc
Al-Nisoor University college Baghdad Private 2021 BSc
Middle East University College Baghdad Private 2021 BSc
Al-Amal College for Specialized Medical Sciences Kerbela Private 2022 BSc
Gilgamesh Ahliya University Baghdad Private 2022 BSc
American University of Iraq Baghdad Private 2022 BSc
Total 60 17 Gov./43 private
Source: Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research on January 31, 2024.
Notes: All universities and colleges in Iraq (except for the Kurdistan region) offer a 5-year pharmacy program leading to a Bachelor’s degree in
Pharmaceutical Sciences; Formerly Baghdad College of Pharmacy; Formerly Ibn Hayyan University College.
b
a
Abbreviations: BSc: Bachelor of Science; MSc: Master of Science; PhD: Doctor of Philosophy.
Consequently, the long-term deterioration of public advancement under current and historical health
healthcare services and the unavailability of medicinal policies since 2003 (Al-Humadi & Liapi, 2019). Although
products have caused a significant decline in public trust these modest advances resulted in positive impacts on
in the public healthcare system (Ibrahim et al., 2021). This addressing health system vulnerabilities, the sector still
distrust has been exploited by the private sector for profit falls short of the norms and standards expected of a
over the past decades (Al-Jumaili et al., 2013). Thus, people modern pharmaceutical sector (Al-Jumaili et al., 2013). As
rely heavily on the private sector for treatment and medicines, the pharmaceutical sector suffers from systemic challenges
often at high costs that may exceed their financial capacity, and external constraints, no single solution can resolve all
especially given the absence of any patient subsidy program the issues. Instead, a range of multidimensional initiatives
for medicines purchased from the private market (Cetorelli is required to holistically address these concerns (Figure 5).
& Shabila, 2014; Moore et al., 2014; Republic of Iraq Ministry Furthermore, the modernization of the pharmaceutical
of Health, 2019a; USAID, 2006). The WHO has reported that sector will not only contribute to the reform of the
more than 70% of individual health spending in Iraq is out- healthcare sector but will also support the growth of the
of-pocket, far exceeding the recommended threshold of 30% country’s economy and strengthen its legitimacy (Suhrcke
necessary to prevent poverty and ensure financial protection
and health equity (Republic of Iraq Ministry of Health, 2019a; et al., 2007).
World Health Organization, 2023). Nonetheless, limited Based on the current, up-to-date review of the
public healthcare services remain an important source of pharmaceutical sector in Iraq, we present the following
healthcare, particularly for the poor and unemployed, who recommendations and considerations:
account for more than 20% of the population (Burnham (i) The healthcare system, including the pharmaceutical
et al., 2011; UNICEF & World Bank, 2020). sector, urgently needs to be prioritized through increased
funding to fill the gaps in medicine availability and quality
6. Recommendations of care. This will also alleviate the financial burden on
Despite its importance in healthcare system reform, individuals, thereby improving health equity, social
the Iraqi pharmaceutical sector has shown limited stability, and access, and meaningfully improving universal

Volume 3 Issue 3 (2025) 68 https://doi.org/10.36922/GHES025110025