Afghanistan seeks Qatar’s support for children with heart disease

KABUL (Ariana News): The Ambassador of Afghanistan in Doha has requested Qatar’s assistance in treating heart patients, particularly children, suffering from congenital heart defects.

During a meeting with Faisal Mohammed Al-Emadi, head of the Qatar Red Crescent Society, Suhail Shaheen urged that experienced Qatari doctors travel to Kabul to perform surgeries on children with “hole in the heart” conditions. He also emphasized the need for reconstruction of Afghanistan’s cardiac hospital and specialized training programs for Afghan doctors.

Al-Emadi welcomed the request, pledging comprehensive cooperation with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

To follow up on the initiatives, both sides appointed coordinators to manage the next stages of collaboration.

Health experts in Afghanistan note that thousands of cardiac patients seek medical attention each year, but due to a lack of specialized facilities and doctors, many are forced to travel abroad for treatment.

Establishing specialized cardiac centers within the country, they argue, would significantly reduce costs and improve access to lifesaving care.

Earlier this year, the Afghan Red Crescent Society signed an agreement with Qatar to facilitate treatment for 169 Afghan children with congenital heart defects. Such surgeries are extremely expensive, leaving many Afghan families unable to afford them without international assistance.