H.E. Dr. Saman Albarzingy
Minister of Health, KRG
Dr. Saman Albarzingy is a distinguished healthcare leader within the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), whose unwavering commitment to public health has left an indelible mark on the region. Armed with a Ph.D. and a master’s degree in Community Medicine from Hawler Medical University and a bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery from Salahaddin University in Erbil, Iraq. Dr. Albarzingy's journey towards becoming a stalwart figure in healthcare administration is a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence and service to his community.
Born and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Kurdistan, Dr. Albarzingy's early years were characterized by a profound sense of compassion and a fervent desire to alleviate the health disparities plaguing his homeland. His academic endeavors led him to delve into the intricacies of medicine, culminating in the attainment of a doctoral degree specializing in Community Medicine—a field that would become the cornerstone of his illustrious career.
Dr. Albarzingy's ascent through the ranks of healthcare administration within the KRG is a testament to his unparalleled expertise and dedication. His journey began humbly, with roles in the Media and Health Promotion Department at the Ministry of Health-KRG and the Erbil Directorate of Health. These formative experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the multifaceted nature of public health and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
In 2009, Dr. Albarzingy assumed the pivotal role of Director of Erbil West Hospital, where he distinguished himself through his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to patient care. His tenure at the helm of the hospital was marked by transformative initiatives aimed at enhancing medical services and improving healthcare outcomes for the community.
Building upon his successes, Dr. Albarzingy was appointed as the Director General of Health in Erbil Governorate in 2013—a testament to his exceptional leadership qualities and track record of achievement. In this capacity, he spearheaded a wide array of initiatives aimed at bolstering public health infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare measures, and ensuring equitable access to essential medical services for all residents of Erbil. He has actively participated in the fight against ISIS on behalf of all world by providing health access and services to the brave Peshmarga and world alliance forces against ISIS, until 2017 once the territories under ISIS in whole Iraq became liberated.
In 2019, Dr. Albarzingy's exemplary service and dedication to the advancement of healthcare in the region culminated in his appointment as the Minister of Health in the Kurdistan Regional Government in the 9th Cabinet of the government—a position he continues to hold with distinction to this day. As Minister of Health, Dr. Albarzingy has embarked on a bold and ambitious agenda aimed at ushering in a new era of healthcare excellence in Kurdistan. Right after receiving the position Dr. Albarzingy has lead the whole government response to Covid-19 challenges in the Kurdistan region, that have been regarded as one of the very successful experience under all measures with lower rates of mortality and morbidity than many other countries in the region. Under his visionary leadership, the Ministry of Health has witnessed unprecedented advancements, including the implementation of innovative healthcare technologies, the expansion of healthcare facilities, and the development of robust public health initiatives aimed at improving the overall well-being of the region's residents.
Beyond his administrative duties, Dr. Albarzingy remains deeply committed to fostering collaboration and cooperation among healthcare stakeholders, both domestically and internationally, in pursuit of shared goals of health equity and universal access to quality healthcare.
Dr. Saman Albarzingy's remarkable journey from a dedicated physician to a visionary leader in healthcare administration serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. His tireless dedication to the well-being of his community and his unwavering commitment to excellence continue to shape the future of healthcare in Kurdistan, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, innovation, and service.
