10 new health centers start functioning in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Ten newly-established health centers have started functioning in five districts and the provincial capital of southern Helmand province, an official said on Tuesday.

Dr. Sayed Ahmad Sayid, Helmand public health director, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the health centers were established with financial support of Organization for Promotion of Health and Community Development (OPHCD) non-governmental organization.

He said the health centers were located in remote areas where people previously lacked access to health services.

He added the OPHCD would pay the rent of the buildings and provide medical equipment and salaries to the staff for two years

One of these health facilities started functioning in Marja district, three in Garamsir district, two in Greshk, one in Babaji, one in Musa Qala district and two in the provincial capital Lashkargah.

OPHCD director Dr. Mohammad Qaseem Fiazi told Pajhwok their organization would equip and provide all needed facilities to the health centers for two years.

He said the health centers had the capacity to provide health services to 129,000 people and had OPD, mother and child nutrition and vaccine sections.

Due to the past war, many areas were deprived of health services in Helmand province.

However, since coming to power, the new government has started efforts at providing health services to people in remote areas and has built many health centers.

kk/ma