Iraq’s Health Ministry recorded on Wednesday 78 deaths and 2,010 new infections from the novel coronavirus.
The rate, which has not changed for more than a week, has prompted citizens with affected businesses to demand a review of the partial curfew imposed from 7:00 pm till 6:00 am in the capital, Baghdad.
The Ministry has consistently announced over the past few days a new surge in recoveries in comparison to critical cases or deaths that have begun to decrease gradually.
Member of the Parliament’s Crisis Cell Hassan Khalati said his country is going through interlocking crises, as the pandemic comes along with financial and security crises, and instability.
The total funds allocated to the Ministry of Health to face the pandemic are no more than 40 billion dinars, Khalati noted, stressing that it is very low in comparison to the amount allocated by other affected countries.
Head of State of Law coalition former Premier Nuri al-Maliki called on the Health Ministry to appoint Iraqi medics instead of contracting with foreign cadres.
“Our battle with the coronavirus pandemic continues despite the victories recorded by our heroic white coat army of doctors,” tweeted Maliki.
“In order to inflict the final defeat on this dangerous epidemic, the Ministry shall start appointing graduates from colleges and medical institutes within its health institutions instead of contracting with foreign medical cadres,” he stressed.