More than 70% of Rural Areas Lack Basic Healthcare Services.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health under the caretaker government has announced that over 70% of people living in rural and remote areas of the country are deprived of access to basic healthcare services.

The Ministry stated in a press conference today, Wednesday, that 72% of the population in rural areas lack access to primary and secondary healthcare services. Out of the 400 districts in Afghanistan, only 93 have operational hospitals.

According to officials from the Ministry of Public Health, delivering healthcare services to remote and rural areas has been neglected in recent years, and adequate attention has not been given to this issue. As a result, many citizens, due to the absence of hospitals in their surroundings and remote areas, are compelled to travel to health centers in provincial capitals even for the treatment of minor illnesses and health issues.

Statistics provided by the Ministry of Public Health indicate that the current capacity of active hospitals in the country stands at 13,000 beds. With the construction of new hospitals, an additional 10,000 beds will be added. The Ministry has stated that, to expand healthcare services in remote areas, a budget has been allocated for the construction of 318 hospitals in districts, and the construction work will begin soon.

Afghanistan’s healthcare system is currently facing numerous challenges, with many health centers and hospitals relying on foreign aid. Despite this, many illnesses remain untreatable within the country, forcing a large number of citizens to incur significant expenses and travel abroad for treatment.