Research ArticleOpen Access

Describing of Referral Health System for Pregnant Women in Al-Najaf-Iraq

Volume 4 - Issue 4

Atheer Kadhim Ibadi*

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- Department of Pharmacy, Kufa Institute, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, Iraq
*Corresponding author: Atheer Kadhim Ibadi, Department of Pharmacy, Kufa Institute, Al-Furat Al-Awsat Technical University, 31001 Kufa, Al-Najaf, Iraq

Received: May 11, 2018; Published: May 17,2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.04.001085

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Abstract

Background: The development of actual patient referral systems is considered one of the important public health issues in developing countries. Primary health care services will not be benefit without effective procedures in the hospital that support to refer the patients who need special services. The medical health care system in Iraq based on a hospital oriented and capital-intensive model that has limited efficiency and does not have equitable access.

Objective: This study was conducted to describe the referral health system in Al-Najaf province, Iraq.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study has described the referral health system in Iraq, Al-Najaf province. This study is the first national research has been conducted to describe the referral health system (the pregnant women as an example). The researcher has reviewed a group of studies reported in (Medline, WHO Portal, POPLINE, PubMed) databases that have assessed the referral health system. The medical services for women are provided in an integrated and comprehensive manner covering preventive, promotive and curative aspects of care in a set of phases are (antenatal care, delivery care, postnatal care, family planning and care for the newborn).

Outcomes: The referral system in Iraq is classified to three levels are: PHC main centers which is including three categories of PHC (A-approx. 817 centers delivered all the primary health care services), (B-approx. 19 centers includes the same services as a category (A) plus a training place) and(C- approx. 123 centers includes the same services as Class (A) in addition to emergency care services. Second, PHC Subcenters (called Category D) includes 53 centers deliver simple curative services, immunization activities and simple maternal and child health services. Third, Hospitals: Secondary and tertiary care levels are provided by 208 government hospitals, providing 36 057 hospital beds and 80 private hospitals (2 273 beds).

Conclusion: Decades of war and sanctions have seriously compromised the function of the health system. There are adequate financial resources, but with a shortage of skills, strategies and human resource development. In addition, the health strategies have failed to link needs, strategic plans, and training programs together.

Keywords: Referral Health System; Referral of Pregnant Women