Health Services

Medical care

Iraqi public health facilities provide services for refugees and asylum-seekers free of charge, including for emergency services. However, a minimal fee may be required in some circumstances.

A valid resident permit is required for chronic medical conditions and surgical interventions at public health facilities.

Available health services include but are not limited to: consultation, emergency care, medications, laboratory tests, dental care, screenings, surgeries, vaccination, antenatal care, and mother and children care.

Vaccines, ante-natal care, and post-natal care are available at Primary Health care centres, free of charge. If you have a child younger than 5 years old or are pregnant, you should visit the primary health centre nearest to your home. Delivery is available at maternity hospitals with a nominal fee for urgent cases.

Government hospitals are open 24 hours a day, with Primary Health centres typically open in the morning to early afternoon.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support

UNHCR CAN NO LONGER PROVIDE SERVICES FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT THROUGH PARTNERSHIP WITH NGOs.

For years, UNHCR and its partners have provided Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) services to refugees and asylum-seekers in Iraq.

UNHCR initially envisaged gradually phasing out from these parallel protection services for refugees and asylum seekers over a few years, by enhancing their access to public services.

Due to current funding constraints seriously affecting UNHCR globally but also in Iraq, UNHCR is compelled to accelerate the phase out by end of June 2025 from the parallel services for Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) services both inside and outside of camps, that had been provided through partnerships with NGOs.

For individuals and families currently receiving Mental Health and Psychosocial support (MHPSS) services through UNHCR partners: All Mental Health consultation services delivered by UNHCR partners will be concluded by 30 June 2025.

MOVING FORWARD

• The government has the primary responsibility for your safety and protection, and we will continue to work closely with relevant national and local authorities for refugees and asylum seekers to have access to the existing services.
• Iraq has shown remarkable generosity in hosting refugees and asylum seekers, granting them access to documentation issued by authorities and access to public health services and public education.
• UNHCR remains committed to advocating for refugees and asylum-seekers to have access to the same level of access to protection services as the host population

WHERE TO SEEK HELP

• While UNHCR’s direct services through partners are ending, help is still available through government structures. Please reach out to the following hotlines:
• KR-I: Call 📞122 (Mental Health Hotline) or approach general hospitals and primary healthcare centers in your area.
• South and Central Iraq: Call 📞911 or visit your nearest public health facility for mental health support.

STAY INFORMED

• We understand that false information can easily spread and cause confusion. Please seek credible information from your community leaders as well as checking the UNHCR webpage for any information related to UNHCR. 
• We are committed to continuing to share with you any additional information that could be useful for you.
• Please visit the UNHCR Help Website regularly or follow our WhatsApp channel for the latest information.

PLEASE HELP US SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY TO ENSURE EVERYONE IS INFORMED OF THE PHASE OUT OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED SERVICES AND KNOWS WHERE TO SEEK SUPPORT.