...they had to use the same needles many times for more than three patients...

From IRIN:

BAGHDAD, 21 Feb 2005 (IRIN) - The situation in Baghdad's hospitals is critical, particularly in terms of unhygienic and unsafe working conditions, according to a recent survey by the US-based Medicine For Peace (MFP) NGO. The MFP reported that most hospitals were unclean and unhygienic and lacked an infection control programme. The sanitation system was practically non-existent and, according to the survey, as much as 60 percent of toilets were not working. The survey was carried out in 90 percent of the capital's hospitals and 60 percent nationwide. Infective materials could be seen in open boxes, easy for anyone to be in direct contact with them, the survey found. Potable water was rarely seen in hospitals, with most patient's families bringing water to them. Dr Youssef Abdul Kader of Yarmouk Hospital in Baghdad told IRIN that most hospitals in the capital were running low on ways to control the spread of infection and that a disease outbreak could happen at any time. He also complained that most health workers did not have gloves or masks to wear and had become part of the groups at risk. "After the last war the country became open for blood-transmitted diseases such as HIV and the lack of these essential materials for protection can bring unexpected diseases to medical staff. I bring gloves with me because the hospital cannot afford them," Kader added. According to the MFP study, all hospitals were suffering from a sporadic or persistent shortage of essential medicines and disposable supplies, including basics such as detergents, hand washing disinfectants, sterile needles and gloves, masks, antiseptics and soap. The survey added that clinical laboratories and radiology services in the majority of hospitals were unable to support demand, especially because of old and malfunctioning clinical laboratory and imaging equipment, as well as poor instructions on how to use it. Dr Michael Viola, who directed the MFP study, told IRIN that hospitals in Iraq were not nearly as good in terms of providing quality care as they were before the 1991 Gulf War. The hospitals struggled during the 1990s, mainly due to the sanctions implemented following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and bad management by the Baathists, the report said. According to Viola, from 1999 hospitals went into a decline. The former regime stopped putting money into health care at that point. A key point in the report is that the "brain drain" of Iraqi physicians and academics during the 1990s, made worse by the recent violence, has had a devastating effect on the performance of hospitals in Baghdad. "Whether a similar problem exists all over Iraq is difficult to say. Since the Ministry of Health (MoH) has not instituted standards of care for all of Iraq, I would suspect the problem in this case is for all the country. In the past, health care was best in Baghdad," Viola added. A doctor from a public hospital in the capital, who preferred not to be named, told IRIN . "I know that it is something very wrong, but sometimes you want to save a life and you don't have any other choice," the doctor explained.

Bush-war has failed miserably in his promises to the Iraqis and Americans who gave their support to his deceit-driven invasion. He has had nearly two years to improve conditions for Iraqi citizens, but instead only makes sure his corporate buddies get their billions, of our income taxes, in military and rebuilding contracts. Despicable, shameful, and downright evil.