Dear All

Perhaps some of you know that I was optimistic and hopeful enough to return and
work in Kurdistan, after there had been positive changes in the region, thinking
that I could participate in the process of what is called nation building. I
wanted to repay the debt I owed to my people and my country and live among them
once more.

I must admit I have faced a lot of unexpected and surprising difficulties. I
could have spoken volumes about my astonishing experience but I chose to keep it
to myself until someone asks me seriously about it.

It is with great sadness that the venture I had hoped for ended up with me and
the family leaving Kurdistan and returning to the UK. I did not make this
decision lightly or overnight but found my situation impossible.  

What prompted me to write this short letter is what I heard recently from
trusted sources that a senior member of the Medical school has spread a rumour
that I only returned to Kurdistan because I had problems having a job in UK.
This conclusion was reached by his own knowledge. This is entirely false.

I always promised myself, as a principle, not to talk about people’s character
and I certainly will not change now. But I would say those who spread such lies
that they betrayed the trust and hope they were given by the authorities who
appointed them.  One day I hope their conduct and manner will be brought into
question and fairly investigated.

Fortunately for me, when I left my consultant job in UK I had an agreement with
my department and health authority to grant me what we call it here ‘’sabbatical
leave’’. This is a kind of arrangement allows the employee to take extended
unpaid leave for any reason and guarantees their job at the end of the time
period.

I assure you all that I am back to my previous job as a consultant urological
surgeon. For those who would like to check they can do so on the website of the
General Medical Council.

My greatest regret is that I have left people whom I could have helped with my
skill and knowledge. I sincerely apologise and ask for their forgiveness. I say
to them that I tried to serve them but I was not given the chance to do so.

Regards to all


Bahzad Koye
Consultant urologist
The James Cook University Hospital
UK