Raqqa, Syria (BBN)-Islamic State appears to have released a promotional video for its own health service featuring NHS-style branding and an Australian doctor.
The video has not been verified but was being circulated by IS-affiliated social media accounts and bears all the hallmarks of previous IS productions, reports BBC.
Using an NHS-style logo, it introduces the “ISHS” – or IS Health Service.
It appears to have been filmed in Raqqa General Hospital in the Syrian IS stronghold of Raqqa.
The first doctor in the video talks about the establishment of a health ministry that regulates medical facilities across IS territory, including the Raqqa hospital, which he says has been refurbished.
A second doctor introduces the intensive care unit, which he says treats victims of military conflict and car accidents.
A third speaks about the X-ray department, which includes a women-only unit.
The Australian doctor, who calls himself Abu Yusuf, says he travelled from his home country to join IS and is using his medical skills “as part of my jihad for Islam”.
He is shown treating newborn babies in incubators, in a section of the video set in the hospital’s apparently well-equipped paediatric ward.
Speaking directly to camera, he says he wished he had joined IS sooner.
He calls on doctors and other medical professionals in the West to join the group.
The video also includes commentary on the hospital’s physiotherapy and dialysis services.