Karam Karam, a 49-year-old orthopedist from Lebanon, is considering leaving his country for Iraq to start his own medical center, despite the concerns he has over the situation there. Karam has been trying to get in contact with an Iraqi investor in a bid to make this transition and to get acquainted with the Iraqi environment.

Iraqi Council of Ministries voted early this year to provide Lebanon with a certain amount of oil in return of medical services from Lebanese public and private sectors. Lebanese prime minister is expected to visit Baghdad soon to discuss the details.

Some 1,000 Lebanese doctors have packed their bags and left the country over the past 10 months, whether for Europe or the Gulf countries. More recently, they have been opting for Iraq, according to Lebanese medical sources who spoke to Al-Monitor.

“The financial crisis is not the only reason behind the doctor’s brain drain, but also the political stalemate gripping the country and the fear of the unknown. Nothing bodes well so far in the country or encourages doctors to stay," Karam told Al-Monitor. “Many doctors are opting for Iraq for several reasons, mainly because of the similar social and cultural environment and because Iraqis welcome and encourage their presence."