Sept. 8, 2008
Release No.  080908-1
U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, GULF REGION DIVISION

Basra neighborhood very pleased with newly opened Primary Healthcare Clinic
Gulf Region South district

BASRA, Iraq—Thousands of residents in the al-Risala neighborhood in Basra no longer have to walk or drive up to 20 kilometers to get medical care for their families.

The Iraqi Ministry of Health opened a new primary healthcare center there in July.

Dr. Alia Al-Hassan, the clinic administrator said, “We’re providing healthcare to about 300 patients daily, newborns to the elderly. This community, which has been neglected for a long time, is thrilled to have this new, modern medical facility.” She pointed out they currently have a staff of 40 personnel. “We hope to increase that number in the near future to offer additional medical services.”

Physician Assistant Hussein Na’ma said the new healthcare center features state-of-the-art equipment and for some patients “it’s the first time their families have had access to  preventive medical services, as well as certain high tech services .”

James Hodges, Gulf Region Division construction representative, said, “It’s great to see their smiles of appreciation. They are very happy to finally have local access to comprehensive medical care.”

Gulf Region Division, which has built six other healthcare centers in Basra Province, has three additional ones under construction. “These projects are seen as a very positive thing, especially since they affect the lives of the people so directly,” Hodges said.

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Note:  A. Al Bahrani is a Public Affairs Specialist with the Gulf Region South district, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Iraq. For more information, contact public affairs by phone at 540 665-1233, by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.grd.usace.army.mil.
Note: For high resolution photos see www.grd.usace.army.mil/news/release/index.asp