Aqila Mohammadi: Midwife bringing hope, care to women in Daikundi

NEILI (Pajhwok): Aqila Mohammadi, a young midwife in central Daikundi province who successfully assisted in more than 400 deliveries over the past four years, says she feels the greatest sense of peace when reduces a mother’s pain and helps deliver a healthy baby.

A resident of Neili city, the provincial capital, Mohammadi holds a bachelor’s degree in midwifery and has also completed short-term nursing courses. She also has teaching experience at health institutions.

Over 500 deliveries: Experience rooted in commitment

After graduating from university in 2022, Mohammadi worked at hospitals in Daikundi and at the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) hospital in Kabul in the obstetrics and gynecology department.

During this period, she assisted in more than 500 deliveries—experience she describes as her greatest professional asset.

She currently does not hold a formal job at a hospital but continues to provide maternity services to pregnant women in her home village.

The midwife says she feels most at ease when she reduces a mother’s suffering and brings a healthy newborn into the world.

With a smile, Mohammadi said: “When I treat a patient, I feel calm and happy. Even when I am sleeplessness, seeing a patient recover takes away all my fatigue.”

Memories–both bitter, sweet

Recalling one cold night in Shahristan district of Daikundi, Mohammadi said a poor woman who had travelled dozens of kilometres to give birth was not hospitalised by a hospital because it was not yet time for delivery.

“She had no money to return home and could not afford accommodation for the night. I broke hospital rules, took her to my room and shared my bread with her. The next day, she gave birth,” Mohammadi recalled.

She said that night deepened her commitment to serving women in need.

However, Mohammadi also recalled a bitter experience during her traineeship.

“When we joined one hospital as trainees, all the staff—including cleaners—treated us badly. We had to secretly learn from our teachers. The inappropriate and humiliating behaviour at that time had a negative impact on our morale,” she said.

Women’s health challenges in Daikundi

Mohammadi said residents of the province consistently complain about a lack of basic facilities and difficulties accessing healthcare services, particularly women in rural areas. Poverty, scattered geography and limited health awareness have compounded women’s problems.

According to her, pregnant women in remote areas suffer from iron deficiency and severe anaemia because they lack regular access to health centres and cannot afford hospital visits.

“Most women lack health awareness. If awareness increases and medical advice is followed, many health problems can be prevented,” she explained.

Patients’ satisfaction, community demands

Hamida, a resident of Shahristan district, said: “I have visited to midwife Mohammadi several times. She always treats me kindly. When I had no money, she did not charge me. I wish all doctors treated poor patients this way.”

She added that the shortage of female doctors was a serious problem in the province and called on the public health department to increase their number.

“We also want doctors to treat patients respectfully,” she said.

Meanwhile, Rahima, a resident of Neili city, described Aqila Mohammadi as an “angel of salvation” for the residents of the province, saying difficult poor routes and a shortage of health centres had left residents, particularly women, facing serious healthcare challenges.

“There is only one obstetrics and gynecology specialist in Daikundi. Unfortunately, conditions in hospitals are not good. The provincial hospital, which is the best in the province, lacks specialists in many departments. Many patients come from very distant areas and, due to a shortage of beds, some are told to stay in hotels until a bed becomes available,” she said.

She added: “For this reason, I gave birth to my three children with Midwife Aqila.”

Pajhwok Afghan News attempted to obtain comments from the Daikundi Public Health Department but failed to contact.

kk/sa