The School of Management and Medical Information at Iran University of Medical Sciences recently conducted a thesis defense session for Dr. Osama Abdulhassan Kazem Aldulaimi, an international student enrolled in the Master of Healthcare Management program. The focus of Dr. Aldulaimi's thesis, titled "Challenges of Providing Healthcare Services to Pilgrims during Annual Religious Mass Gatherings in Karbala, Iraq," explores the obstacles faced in delivering healthcare services to pilgrims. Dr. Puran Riyasi supervised the thesis, with Dr. Rafat Baqerzadeh serving as the advisor and Dr. Ali Namati as the examiner.
Dr. Puran Riyasi, in an interview with the School's Public Relations, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with Dr. Soodabeh Vatan Khah, the head of the Healthcare Services group, in conducting this research. The main focus of the study was on identifying and addressing the challenges encountered by pilgrims during these mass gatherings, with insights gathered from interviews with 247 individuals who have experienced these challenges.
The speaker emphasized the challenges faced by Iraq due to the diverse participation in the pilgrimage procession, with a lack of information on pilgrims' numbers, health status, and entry procedures. Around 83% of participants are local, while 16.2% are foreigners grappling with various health issues and communication barriers.
Dr. Kazem Aldelimi highlighted Karbala's capacity for 4 million people, yet accommodating over 10 million with diverse needs. Challenges include a shortage of medical staff and equipment, as well as the timely presence of doctors to cater to the large number of pilgrims. There are also difficulties in communicating with patients from different countries.
Dr. Osama Kazem Aldelimi emphasized the incomplete healthcare management in Iraq and expressed interest in the International School of Management and Medical Information based on a friend's recommendation from Iran and his own research on the website.