33 hospitals in Afghanistan face closure amid funding shortage

KABUL (Khaama Press): In a recent report, the World Health Organization (WHO) has urgently appealed for a budget of $125 million to provide crucial funding for hospitals across Afghanistan.

The plea underscores the pressing need to ensure the continued operation of essential medical facilities in the country, emphasizing the pivotal role that adequate funding plays in sustaining healthcare services for the people of Afghanistan.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised an alarming alert that 33 hospitals it supports in Afghanistan are on the brink of closure due to insufficient funds. Furthermore, the organization noted a reduction in its health teams on the ground, dropping from 513 to 453 members.

“The activity of 33 hospitals in Afghanistan is on the verge of being stopped due to lack of funds, the transition strategy of the health system for Afghanistan is in the final stages and will cost nearly $2.4 million, and if the lack of funding for Afghanistan is not addressed, 875,000 children will be severely malnourished,” WHO said in a statement.

Meanwhile, officials from the Ministry of Public Health have said that in the event of these facilities’ closure, they have prepared plans to take over funding responsibilities for these hospitals.

However, they are urging international health institutions to collaborate with the ministry during this transition period until these centres align with global standards.

The ministry acknowledges the importance of international expertise and support to ensure quality healthcare services and seeks cooperation in this critical phase.

“If international organizations suspend their health services or financial assistance within the country, the Ministry of Health is prepared to ensure the continued provision of healthcare services to the citizens using its internal budget,” said Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health.

“In response to the Red Cross’s decision to halt its financial support for hospitals, the Ministry of Public Health has formulated a comprehensive plan.

Starting from September 1, this plan will initiate services to all hospitals, safeguarding the uninterrupted availability of healthcare,” he further emphasized.