“This new centre will serve more than 60,000 area residents in need of health care,” said Bruno Husquinet, head of the ICRC office in Basra. “Many people who have not had access to suitable care will now have affordable services available near their homes.”

The centre is equipped to receive up to 300 patients a day. It includes a clinic for the treatment of chronic disease, a unit serving neighbouring schools, vaccination and dental units and three dispensaries.

Thanks to the prompt appointment of medical staff by the Directorate of Health, the centre has already opened its doors.

“The centre will go a long way towards meeting current needs,” said Husquinet. “In several parts of the country, health care is very dear and certain essential treatments are often unavailable. Boosting the capacity of health-care facilities can help change this situation for the better.”

The ICRC provides support for hospitals and other health-care facilities in Iraq to help them cope with emergency situations and respond to vital needs.