• First Ever Kimadia Conference

This week: • First Ever Kimadia Conference Convenes at Ministry of Health • Interagency Health Planning Conference conducted • Emergency Medical Services Class Graduates • FPS Class Continues at MOH For more information please contact Col David Adams at: adamsdv@orha.centcom.mil. 1st Annual Kimadia Conference I I r ra a q q M M i i n ni i s st t r r y y o of f H H e ea al l t t h h W W e ee ek k l l y y U U p pd d a at t e e 1 M MO OH H- -O OC CP PA A H He ea al lt th h T Te ea am m C Cu ur rr re en nt t P Po ol li ic ci ie es s a an nd d I In ni it ti ia at ti iv ve es s, , V Vo ol l. . 1 11 1, , W We ed dn ne es sd da ay y, , A Au ug gu us st t 2 20 0, , 2 20 00 03 3 full days were spent in discussions to understand specific systemic requirements that will prioritize requirements for consideration at an upcoming international donor conference, scheduled to meet in Madrid in October. A comprehensive report of the meeting is being developed that will lay the foundation for further work by a defined steering committee supported by functional workgroups for public and environmental health, health information systems, information technology, legislation and regulation, human resources development and management, education and training of health professionals, credentialing and licensing of health professionals, all aspects of the health delivery system, health care financing, pharmaceutical, and medical supplies and equipment. provided the commencement comments. The class was funded by the MOH, and instructors included three experienced emergency medicine physicians from Kosovo. These physicians, Drs Merovci, Prendi and Vorfi all have extensive experience practicing emergency medicine, especially in the area of gunshot wounds and treatment of landmine injuries. The workshop was a resounding success and will lead to an overarching strategy for prioritizing Iraq’s healthcare requirements for the near term and beyond 2004. Convenes at Ministry of Health For the first time ever, over 275 regional and national representatives of Kimadia, Iraq’s national medical pharmaceutical and equipment system, met at the Ministry of Health this week. The purpose of this meeting was to provide an overview of MOH operations and to set expectations for performance and customer service. Key to the conference were multiple presentations and discussions addressing professional ethics and customer service. Attendees were enthused about the opportunity to be involved in this effort, and were excited to meet with each other to discuss common issues related to supply chain management and ensuring that medical supplies and pharmaceuticals are delivered in a timely manner to hospitals and clinics. Interagency Health Planning Conference Addresses Health Priorities Dr Aurora Merovci instructs Iraqi EMS students. Students were instructed in initial and advanced first aid techniques, patient stabilization, and transportation of the sick and injured. The first class was part of a six-month continuous effort sponsored by the MOH. The second class of EMS students has started. A major goal of this program is to provide critically- needed emergency responder services throughout Iraq. Facility Protective Service The Ministry of Health hosted and chaired a three-day strategic planning conference from August 17th thru 19th . Representatives from the MOH, CPA, European Commission, World Bank, World Health Organization, UNICEF, CARE, Iraqi Red Crescent Society, USAID, CJTF-7, regional health representatives throughout Iraq and other agencies met to share perspectives on the current state of healthcare in Iraq, and to develop a framework for capturing health requirements for the short, mid and long term planning. Participants considered priority health issues that must receive essential attention within the next two years, and the means through which health systems can best be developed to ensure that are appropriately addressed. Three Mr Haveman addresses the Health Planning Workshop. Training Continues First EMS Class Graduates The first class of 40 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) students graduated this week at the Baghdad Convention Center. According to Major Jon Kerstetter, MD, a US Army National Guard physician and voluntary international aid worker, “ This training program will provide the cornerstone of basic knowledge to equip students to enter anew era of medical services in Iraq – bringing emergency care to the patient in a professional and timely manner.” Mr James K. Haveman, the Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Health, The MOH initiated its third facility protective service (FPS) training program last week. Two previous classes graduated 260 security personnel. 210 personnel are scheduled to graduate tomorrow, including 30 female FPS personnel, the first women graduates of this program. Students are receiving the bulk of their training by Iraqi leadership of the FPS. MOH plans to train approximately 2,500 personnel over the next 12 months. These personnel will provide security at hospitals and clinics throughout Iraq.