Assistant Lecturer from Cihan University–Erbil Participates in International Primary Healthcare Capacity-Building Program in China
Demonstrating its commitment to international academic engagement and professional development, Cihan University – Erbil continues to encourage its academic staff to participate in global training and capacity-building initiatives. In this context, Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed from the Biomedical Sciences Department participated in the international training program titled ‘Capacity Building for Primary Healthcare Services in Developing Countries,’ held in Chengdu, China, from 17 June to 7 July 2026. The program brought together healthcare professionals and academics from various countries to enhance their knowledge and skills in primary healthcare systems, health policy, and emerging digital health innovations.
As part of the program, a session entitled “China’s Medical Insurance System and Public Benefit Support Mechanisms” was delivered by Prof. Dr. Wang Kai, Vice President and Secretary-General of the Sichuan Medical Security Research Association, on 20 June 2026 at the Jin Rong Hotel in Chengdu. During the session, Prof. Wang provided a comprehensive overview of China’s medical insurance system, outlining the various insurance schemes available to employees and residents in both urban and rural areas. He explained that healthcare coverage is financed through multiple mechanisms, including joint contributions from employers and employees, individual contributions, and government-supported insurance funds. He also emphasized that healthcare reimbursement in China increasingly relies on the diagnosis-related Group (DRG) and Diagnosis-Intervention Packet (DIP) payment models, which are designed to improve efficiency and strengthen cost management within the healthcare system.
The second session featured a seminar entitled “Digital and Intelligent Empowerment of Primary Healthcare,” presented by Prof. Dr. Shen Minghui, Deputy Director of the Sichuan Health Information Center. During his presentation, Prof. Shen reviewed the evolution of China’s health information systems and digital health records from 1978 to 2018, highlighting four decades of continuous development and modernization. He noted that China’s healthcare strategy toward 2030 places significant emphasis on strengthening primary healthcare services and expanding digital health infrastructure.
Prof. Shen also discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, highlighting its applications in clinical decision support, disease diagnosis, treatment planning, prescription management, and radiological analysis. In addition, he highlighted the increasing use of AI-powered platforms, such as DeepSeek, which provide health information, risk-factor management guidance, dietary recommendations, and exercise planning for the public.
At the end of the sessions, Assistant Lecturer Hero Ismael Mohammed presented the Cihan University Medal to Prof. Dr. Shen Minghui in recognition of his valuable contribution to the training program. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss potential avenues for future academic and scientific collaboration between Cihan University – Erbil and the Sichuan Health Information Center, with the aim of promoting knowledge exchange and cooperation in the fields of healthcare, health informatics, and medical education.
