Khost’s Sorwak health center opens after years of delay

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): A health clinic, constructed several years ago in the Sorwak area of southeastern Khost province, has officially opened its doors to the public.

Provincial officials announced that the clinic will now serve approximately 15,000 residents of Sorwak, a locality situated within Khost city.

Dr. Gul Ahmad Mujahid, the head of the Khost Public Health Department, told Pajhwok Afghan News that, for the time being, the clinic will operate for eight hours each day.

However, he assured that its operating hours will be extended to 24 hours in the near future. “Fifteen thousand people will benefit from this clinic and receive medical care. This is just the beginning,” he said.

“We have eight additional clinics under construction, and, God willing, we will soon provide health services to the entire population.”

The opening of the clinic has been welcomed by the locals, many of whom previously faced significant healthcare challenges.

Jahid, a resident of Sorwak, shared the difficulties the area faced in accessing medical treatment. “We had many problems to access healthcare,” he explained.

“When someone fell ill, the nearest market was nearly 15 kilometers away. By the time you reached the city, the patient would either have died or been in much worse condition.”

Another local resident, Noorjan, emphasized the urgent need for 24-hour services.

“With over 15,000 people living in Sorwak, it’s crucial that the clinic expands to offer round-the-clock services as soon as possible,” he said.

“Whether it’s day or night, it’s extremely difficult to get a patient to the city. Sometimes the roads are closed, or it’s simply too far to travel.”

The residents of Sorwak are hopeful that the new clinic will improve their healthcare access, prevent further loss of life, and provide much-needed medical support in their community.

sa