Dozens of Healthcare Centers Shut Down in Ghazni, Bamyan After US Aid Cut
Local officials in Ghazni and Bamyan provinces have reported that dozens of healthcare centers in these provinces have ceased operations following delays in U.S. humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.
According to local officials, 15 clinics, 3 small healthcare centers, 17 mobile medical teams, and 2 emergency health service centers in Ghazni and two other healthcare centers in Bamyan have shut down. Most of these facilities operated in remote areas.
Hamidullah Nisar, head of information and culture in Ghazni, stated: “A total of 39 healthcare centers have been shut down, including 15 small clinics, three subsidiary centers, 17 mobile teams, one safety center, and two medical clinics. In total, 39 healthcare facilities in Ghazni have ceased operations.”
Saboor Sighani, spokesperson for the governor of Bamyan, said: “Unfortunately, after the suspension of U.S. aid, residents of Bamyan have also been affected. With the cut in aid, two healthcare offices in Bamyan have closed. However, with the efforts of Islamic Emirate officials, one of these centers has resumed operations.”
Meanwhile, residents of Ghazni and Bamyan have called for the resumption of healthcare services.
Din Mohammad Atayi, a resident of Ghazni, stated: “Sanctions in the health and education sectors should be lifted as much as possible, and facilities should be provided in these areas.”
Mahdi, a resident of Bamyan, said: “People are suffering greatly. Our request to the U.S. and the international community is to reopen these healthcare centers.”
However, local officials have announced efforts to resume operations in these centers.
The head of information and culture in Ghazni said: “The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is working to resolve these issues through domestic funding or alternative sources. We have so far reached an agreement with another organization to reactivate 10 of the closed clinics.”
In addition to the shutdown of healthcare centers in remote areas of Ghazni and Bamyan, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has also announced that some projects funded by U.S. financial assistance have been suspended.
