The Role of Emergency Medicine in Managing Health Crises Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraq: Lessons Learned and Improvement Plans

Rabeea Zaki Naji; Nusrat Shakir Mohammad Hussain; Marwan Zakariya Yahya

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Rabeea Zaki Naji Republic of Iraq, Babil health directorate, Hilla teaching hospital, Arab and jordian board Emergency medicine specialist, ( M.B.CH.B , C.J.B.A.EM. , C.A.B.EM )
Nusrat Shakir Mohammad Hussain Head of Disaster and emergency regional training centre, At Operation and emergency medical services/Iraqi MOH
Marwan Zakariya Yahya Head of emergency department, Operation and emergency medical services directrate / Iraqi MOH

Vol. 3 No. 9 (2025): International Journal of Integrative and Modern Medicine

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September 4, 2025

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to healthcare systems internationally, with emergency medicine departments being the front line of defense in many healthcare systems. In Iraq, the pandemic unfolded within the context of political instability, limited healthcare personnel, and a generally compromised healthcare infrastructure system.

Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the role of emergency medicine to confront health crises in Iraq, specifically related to COVID-19 through evaluation of the role of emergency medicine in their response to COVID-19, immediate challenges faced by emergency medicine, effort to learn from the experience, and building plans for improvement for a future pandemic.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach using both qualitative and quantitative inquiry, which included a retrospective analysis of the emergency department data from the two largest hospitals in Iraq (March 2020-December 2022), structured interviews with emergency medicine physicians, and an analysis of policy implementation from the government regarding their COVID response.

Results: During the peak periods in emergency care, there was a 340% increase of respiratory presentations. Some of the major challenges in emergency healthcare settings included shortages in personal protective equipment (PPE; 89% reported issues), burnout amongst staff (76% reported turnover in staff), and not enough isolation rooms. The emergency department engaged in some favorable changes such as telemedicine (67% utilized), and rapid triage protocol.

Conclusion: The response of emergency medicine to the COVID-19 crisis in Iraq was notable given the condition of the system, including the major effects system-wide. For future preparedness, there needs to be more resources allocated into emergency care, systematic staff training tools and programs, and integrating plans for crisis management.

Naji, R. Z., Mohammad Hussain, N. S., & Yahya, M. Z. (2025). The Role of Emergency Medicine in Managing Health Crises Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraq: Lessons Learned and Improvement Plans. International Journal of Integrative and Modern Medicine, 3(9), 15–28. Retrieved from https://medicaljournals.eu/index.php/IJIMM/article/view/2074

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International Journal of Integrative and Modern Medicine

The Role of Emergency Medicine in Managing Health Crises Associated With the COVID-19 Pandemic in Iraq: Lessons Learned and Improvement Plans

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