Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region – On Saturday, Saman Barzinji, the Minister of Health for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), inaugurated a new supervisory center for individuals with special needs, particularly those who are deaf and mute, in Sulaymaniyah. The center marks a significant step in the KRG’s efforts to support and empower people with disabilities.

During a press conference following the inauguration, Minister Barzinji unveiled a future plan to introduce cochlear implants, a groundbreaking medical procedure designed to restore hearing in individuals with severe hearing loss. He confirmed that the KRG has allocated a special budget for the initiative, which will involve brain surgery for children who are unable to speak, followed by a comprehensive rehabilitation program lasting between six months to one year.

Concerns Over Hospital Generators Addressed

In addition to the new initiatives for special needs care, Minister Barzinji raised concerns about the placement of electricity generators near hospitals. He highlighted the adverse effects of generators on patients, including excessive noise, smoke, and gas leaks, which can compromise the healing environment.

Barzinji noted that the Ministry of Municipalities has already begun relocating some generators away from hospital premises. However, in areas where relocation is not immediately feasible, alternative solutions are being explored. The Director General of Sulaymaniyah Health is actively working on this issue to ensure hospitals operate in quieter and healthier environments.

Long-Term Electricity Solutions

Barzinji emphasized that the ultimate solution to the generator problem lies in improving the region’s electricity infrastructure. He pointed to the "Ronaki" project, launched by the KRG’s ninth cabinet, as a key initiative aimed at reducing reliance on generators and providing a stable power supply to hospitals and other public institutions.

The Minister reaffirmed the KRG’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services and improving conditions for both patients and medical professionals across the Kurdistan Region. The inauguration of the new center and the announcement of the cochlear implant program underscore the government’s dedication to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations and advancing healthcare infrastructure.