The Iraqi Ministry of Health clarifies the details of the National Health Training Program
[51386] The Iraqi Ministry of Health clarifies the details of the National Health Training Program
The Iraqi Ministry of Health clarifies that the National Health Training Program (NHTP) is voluntary and does not serve as a substitute for permanent appointments in the public sector.
The Iraqi Ministry of Health clarifies the details of the National Health Training Program
Following official updates published on May 5, 2026, the spokesperson for the Iraqi Ministry of Health, Dr. Saif Al-Badr, provided critical clarifications regarding the "National Health Training Program" (NHTP). According to reports in واحد عراق and جريدة الصباح العراقية, the program is defined as "optional and not mandatory" and is not considered a substitute for the official government appointment process.
The decision, based on Council of Ministers Decision No. 2 of 2026, emphasizes that participants will receive recognition for their internship. As reported by وكالة الأنباء العراقية (واع), the ministry clarifies that "the training period for participants in the program will be recognized as the first year of training and the internship year for medical, health, and nursing staff upon appointment to the permanent workforce" according to a report by جريدة الصباح العراقية.
It was further noted that the program is intended to assist participants in integrating into the private labor market. According to IRAQ2TV, the ministry grants the trainee a "license to work in the private sector upon completion of the training." These clarifications come against the backdrop of the need to alleviate concerns among medical and nursing professionals regarding their professional future and status in the public health system in Iraq.