The public health care system in Iraq was a mess before the U.S. invasion in 2003, as years of conflict and sanctions took their toll. When the Bush administration committed to rebuilding that system, it was undoubtedly a good decision.
If only the administration were capable of succeeding.
A reconstruction contract for the building of 142 primary health centers across Iraq is running out of money, after two years and roughly $200 million, with no more than 20 clinics now expected to be completed, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says.
The contract, awarded to U.S. construction giant Parsons Inc. in the flush, early days of reconstruction in Iraq, was expected to lay the foundation of a modern health care system for the country, putting quality medical care within reach of all Iraqis.
Parsons, according to the Corps, will walk away from more than 120 clinics that on average are two-thirds finished. Auditors say the project serves as a warning for other U.S. reconstruction efforts due to be completed this year.
Naeema al-Gasseer, the World Health Organization’s representative for Iraq, said the 86% failure rate is “shocking,” and added, “We’re not sending the right message here. That’s affecting people’s expectations and people’s trust, I must say.”
It’s not just medical clinics. As the WaPo noted, reconstruction efforts in Iraq will also finish “only 300 of 425 promised electricity projects and 49 of 136 water and sanitation projects.”
Of course, the company that won the lucrative contract will still get paid based on its agreements with the government, despite the failures. Raise your hand if you’re surprised.