Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has directed all public hospitals to provide free healthcare to Thalassemia patients, according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on Wednesday. The decree is aimed at helping the families of Thalassemia patients, who often endure significant diagnosis and treatment costs, and at times must travel abroad for services.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that occurs when the body does not produce enough hemoglobin, an essential protein crucial for red blood cells. The KRG Ministry of Health estimates that 3,600 Thalassemia patients reside in the region.

To alleviate economic hardship on these families, PM Barzani has instructed public hospitals, including Erbil’s cardiac and radiology centers, to provide free health services to Thalassemia patients. The aim is to ensure that patients receive high-quality healthcare, at no charge, the government added.

This is not the first time PM Barzani has extended free healthcare services to vulnerable populations. In June of last year, he also offered free healthcare to children with autism. The latest move is another example of the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to ensuring equal access to healthcare for all.