New Accommodation Facility Planned for Cancer Patients at Zhianawa Centre

PUKMEDIA

Dr Rawa Jamal’s Charity Concert Funds New Cancer Care Facility in Sulaymaniyah.

A new patient accommodation facility is set to be built at the Zhianawa Radiotherapy Centre for Cancer Care in Sulaymaniyah, funded by proceeds from a charity concert held by Kurdish artist Dr Rawa Jamal Abdul.

The announcement was made during a press conference on 22 July 2026, where Dr Rawa Jamal Abdul confirmed that he would donate the proceeds of his concert, held on 23 October 2025, to support cancer treatment services at Hiwa Hospital and the Zhianawa Radiotherapy Centre.

The concert was organised by the Kurdistan Organisation for Cancer Patient Support and received media sponsorship from Kurdsat Media Network.

"This is the fourth time I have donated the proceeds of one of my concerts to support cancer patients," Dr Rawa said, reaffirming his commitment to assisting healthcare services in the Kurdistan Region.

Dr Bamo Naqshbandi, Director of the Zhianawa Radiotherapy Centre, said the new project would address a longstanding shortage of accommodation for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

"One of the centre's biggest challenges is the lack of suitable accommodation for patients who need to remain in Sulaymaniyah during their treatment," he said. "We have therefore decided to use the funds raised through Dr Rawa Jamal's charity concert to construct a new building within the centre's grounds. The facility will provide overnight accommodation for patients receiving treatment, reducing the hardship faced by them and their families."

He revealed that the concert generated approximately 41 million Iraqi dinars (IQD), while the Kurdistan Organisation for Cancer Patient Support has secured additional financial contributions from local investors to help fund the project.

Dr Naqshbandi appealed to philanthropists and members of the business community to contribute towards completing the new facility.

"We hope benefactors and business leaders will support this humanitarian project so we can provide better services for cancer patients," he said.

The director also highlighted the growing demand for the centre's services, noting that around 120 cancer patients receive treatment at the Zhianawa Radiotherapy Centre every day.

During the first six months of 2026, approximately 3,000 patients underwent treatment at the centre, reflecting the increasing pressure on specialist cancer services in the Kurdistan Region.

Dr Naqshbandi added that Kurdistan Regional Government Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani has pledged support for the centre by ensuring that faulty medical equipment is repaired and that additional medical equipment and supplies are provided to improve patient care.


PUKMEDIA