A review of the Iraqi pharmaceutical system: Recommendations for post-war healthcare reform

Abstract

Wars and political volatility in Iraq have decimated healthcare systems for decades. Meeting the country’s healthcare demands is not possible without a quality pharmaceutical system that regulates, supplies, and promotes the appropriate use of medicinal products. Healthcare services and pharmaceutical systems are interdependent. Without accurate reporting on Iraq’s pharmaceutical processes, systems, and challenges, meaningful healthcare reform consistent with national goals for social stability will remain out of reach. This article evaluates the current pharmaceutical system responsible for the delivery and use of medical products, with a focus on ensuring patient protection and optimizing health outcomes in Iraq. It outlines current challenges and presents potential solutions and recommendations. Narrative reviews were collected from peer-reviewed articles, government and non-government publications, and expert opinions sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google over the past 25 years. These articles were analyzed within the context of Iraq’s pharmaceutical environment. Figures were synthesized, and a diagram was developed to guide the recommendations. The administrative and technical units involved in regulatory processes are clarified, with emphasis placed on the lack of funding for streamlining these procedures. Significant findings include deficiencies in the oversight of private sectors and the Wneed to empower Iraq’s domestic pharmaceutical industry. Improvements in educational curricula and the training of pharmaceutical professionals are required. Moreover, the modernization of health information and research systems is deemed necessary. The establishment of a functional pharmaceutical system is closely associated with broader healthcare reform and the development of national economic interests that support state legitimacy.

Keywords

Drug policy / Healthcare system / Iraq / Pharmaceutical system / Pharmacy education / Medicine regulatory framework

Funding

None.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

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