Jalali stresses need for politics-free health sector

KABUL (Pajhwok): Minister of Public Health Maulvi Noor Jalal Jalali has emphasised that access to health services is a right of the people and the health sector must be kept free from political influence.

Jalali met with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dr Muhammad Saeed Al-Ayash, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) said.

A statement from the ministry said the two sides discussed strengthening ties in the health sector, support from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) and future healthcare programmes in Afghanistan.

Maulvi Jalali described access to healthcare as a fundamental right and reiterated that the health sector must remain free from politics.

He said: “Alongside international aid, we are striving to utilise our internal budget to further develop and standardise the healthcare system. Fortunately, in recent times, work on a number of major health projects has been progressing rapidly.”

The OIC Ambassador, for his part, also pledged cooperation in strengthening relations and supporting the development of Afghanistan’s healthcare system.

kk/sa