Synchronizing U.S. government efforts toward collaborative health care policymaking in Iraq

A primary requirement in achieving strategic aims in Iraq is the reestablishment of a functional health care system. Currently, there is no agreed solution among the stake-holder agencies regarding strategic health policy in support of this objective. Health care is a component of basic human needs and should be accessible, affordable, and effective. Following combat operations and phasing into stabilization operations, basic health care infrastructure and systems have often been either disrupted or degraded altogether. To address this situation, the U.S. Government requires a coordinated interagency approach to formulate a strategic health care plan. Incorporating all relevant players into this endeavor will promote sound organizational design, unity of effort, and a culture favorable to synchronization. This paper contains specific recommendations and advocates a renewed effort toward addressing them. The primary constructs under review are U.S. Government organization, leadership, and culture as they relate to a strategic healthcare policy. This approach will reduce redundant efforts, conserve resources and augment the legitimacy of the new Government of Iraq while supporting U.S. national strategic aims.