JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Officials say special attention is being paid to returning Afghan refugees suffering from infectious diseases in Torkham and so far thousands of such patients have been treated.
Members of the health committee of the commission to address problems of returnees say special arrangements have been made to address concerns about the transmission of infectious diseases.
So far nearly 4000 people have been treated for suspected measles, dengue virus, skin and some other infectious diseases.
The patients are given medicines, health kits and instructions and a hygiene program has also been applied to them.
Planning and Programs directors at the Ministry of Public Health and head of the Health Committee in Torkham, Dr. Abdul Sattar Sehat said more than 60,000 patients had been treated since the start of health services.
According to his information, these patients included 32 cases of measles, 60 cases of dengue virus and 3615 suspected cases of skin diseases and most of whom were women and children.
He added after the number of returning refugees increased, concerns raised about the transmission of infectious diseases, but they took timely action.
He added: “Many people were suffering from skin diseases in the camp. We observed hygiene in the camp and provided services to them, largely controlling the situation.”
The health committee he said currently 12 health teams were working in Torkham in addition to a mobile delivery room and a mobile health team.
Dr. Abdul Sattar Sehat also said initially 33 ambulances were provided in Torkham, but their number was reduced to 10 as needed.
The refugees in Torkham are happy with health services being provided to them. They sad mostly women and children fell sick due to cold weather and lack of facilities on the road.
Rahmat Khan, who lived in Pakistan’s Punjab province and recently returned to the country, said he and his children were treated at a health center run by the Afghan Crescent Society in Torkham town.
Nangarhar officials say more than 55,000 families have returned to the country through Torkham crossing and most of them have settled in their respective areas.
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