Step up aid to health sector, Kabir urges WHO

KABUL (Pajhwok): Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Maulvi Abdul Kabir has urged the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other institutions to increase assistance to Afghanistan’s health sector.

He issued the call at a graduation ceremony at the Kabul University of Medical Sciences on Tuesday, the Presidential Palace said in a statement.

Acting Minister of Higher Education Neda Mohammad Nadeen, professors, religious scholars and youth attended the event.

The deputy premier said Afghanistan’s health sector had suffered a lot due to propaganda, mafia activities and the limited capacity of medical facilities, forcing patients to seek treatment in neighbouring countries.

He added mafia influence had been eliminated after Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s takeover in 2021.

Concerted efforts were underway to enhance the quality of health services in the country, the deputy premier said.

Stressing the delivery of quality health services, he urged doctors, investors and businesspeople to import efficacious medicines into the country.

Kabir directed the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) to extend health services to Afghanistan’s remote and border areas.

He also asked the ministry concerned to oversee the quality of services provided at  hospitals and health centres.

Kabir went on to ask WHO and other organisations to increase assistance to Afghanistan’s health sector.

He called on national and international businesspeople to invest in the health sector and assured all possible cooperation from the government.

kk/mud