The Public Hospital of Qandil, which opened in 2012, provides free health care to the people living in Qandil and the surrounding area. After its opening, the hospital was recognized officially by the administration of South Kurdistan, and it was given an ambulance.

However, medications have not been distributed to the hospital for the last 9 months. Furthermore, the KDP (Kurdistan Democratic Party) intents to remove the official status of the hospital.

Doctor of the hospital, Dr. Medya Ayvan, along with the inhabitants of the Binare Qandil, spoke to ANF and reacted to this attempt of the KDP.

Dr. Medya Ayvan expressed the necessity of the health care services in times of war, stating that there are 62 villages in Binare Kandil region and that these villagers live in environments where health care is limited, and war anxiety makes health service even more compulsory.

The hospital now offers 5 days of service per week, whereas it was only accessible 2 days a week in 2009 and once a week before that.

Health services are provided with limited possibilities and on a voluntary basis, as expressed by Dr. Medya Ayvan: “In such a time of crisis, we offer both medications and treatments. We are ready to do anything we can. We can offer various treatments here and we follow our patients. It is not possible to conduct surgery here, but any other treatment can be given.”

Dr. Medya Ayvan, pointing out some of the obstacles encountered on the way, said: “This hospital was founded in 2012, and it became official afterwards. Of course, it was not easy to gain this status, our struggle made it possible. The municipality of Qandil helped us a lot on that point. Following that, the hospital became official, and it was given medications and one ambulance. However, for 9 months the distribution of medicines has stopped and the Ministry of Health wants to remove the official status of the hospital. We find it unfair as there are people living in the Binare Qandil region and they need health care. They have the right to be treated by doctors. Medicines should be sent for the community. This is the responsibility of both the regional government and of the Ministry of Health, but they do not fulfil it for 9 months, which is a matter of criticism.”

According to Dr. Medya Ayvan, this situation is unacceptable: “I want to stress that this situation cannot be accepted. The hospital is at the service of the people, not of any party or military force. It serves both the people living in the Binare Qandil region and outside, coming from Ranya, Rewanduz, Qeladize, Qesre or Diyana. People from urban areas come here to provide themselves with medications which are unaffordable in the cities. People are exhausted and need to manifest their stance against this situation, along with those who want our hospital to continue its service.”

Hesen, inhabitant of Binare Qandil, reacted to the attitude of the regional government, saying: “This hospital serves the civilian people. I have come here once or twice and have always seen care being given to civilian people. We do not accept the attitude of the government, which is not fair. It has to help by sending medication.”

Mihemed, stating the need of the inhabitants of Qandil for this hospital, said: “We do not want the regional government to remove the hospital’s official status as it provides health care to the poor. People living here need this hospital. I have been here twice and the people coming here are impoverished civilians living in the area. They cannot afford to travel until Diyana or Ranya to receive medication. The government must provide it here, to the people.”

Another local Bes Husen stated that indigent people benefit from this hospital, and continued:  “We want the government not to remove the official status of the hospital. It helps the people. Why should I come here if I weren’t in need? It is the impoverished people who come here to be treated. Why does the government remove its status? It should help instead. I benefit from this hospital. What is the prejudice of this hospital to the government? The people benefit from it.”

Nesrin Osman, underlying the fact that the hospital provides free health care to the people, said: “This hospital works without money and the doctors are really good. The people benefit from their services. We do not accept this situation and we want the government not to remove the hospital’s official status.”