The UK's Department of Health has invited specialised organisations or consortia to submit bids by 7 October to provide clinical training and development for Iraqi doctors. Based in the UK, the estimated $10 million programme is the next phase in the reconstruction of the country's healthcare system, which has suffered severely through war and sanctions. The contract will see the selected organisation train about 50 clinical teams over a two-year period. The overall objective is to enable participants to build up current clinical knowledge and equip them to take the lead in the reform of the country's health service. Criteria for the potential bidders include an ability to demonstrate experience of providing clinical training and development in the Middle East, understanding of the reconstruction effort and the constraints of working in Iraq, and the capability to establish plans for the creation of an umbrella health organisation in the country.