India has provided Afghanistan with six ambulances, equipped with advanced medical gear, to enhance emergency healthcare services, as confirmed by Sharafat Zaman Amarkhel, the Taliban Health ministry spokesperson. These ambulances are crucial for transporting emergency patients and delivering urgent medical aid. The move is part of a broader commitment made during discussions between Indian and Afghan officials in New Delhi.
The assistance from India is expected to significantly enhance health services in Afghanistan, particularly in emergency response situations, according to Amarkhel. During the high-level talks in October between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, a commitment was made to provide 20 ambulances as a goodwill gesture.
India’s support goes beyond ambulances, with plans to supply MRI and CT scan machines, vaccines for immunization, and cancer medicines to Afghan hospitals. Additionally, drug rehabilitation materials have been provided through UNODC, with a willingness to offer further assistance. The commitment to enhancing healthcare cooperation was reiterated during a recent meeting between Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health and India’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare in New Delhi.
The discussions between the health ministers focused on various aspects of cooperation, including sharing medical expertise, capacity building for Afghan health workers, and ensuring the availability of quality medicines in Afghanistan. Specific areas such as cancer treatment, medical visas for Afghan patients, and support for health facilities were highlighted. India’s ongoing support in the health sector was acknowledged by Afghanistan, with a call for additional assistance to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
India’s commitment to supporting the Afghan people through the provision of medicines, vaccines, and medical equipment was emphasized by Minister Nadda. Plans are underway to send a CT scan machine, medicines, and vaccines to a children’s hospital in Kabul, demonstrating India’s dedication to improving healthcare access for Afghan patients. Over the past four years, India has supplied 327 tonnes of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan, with further proposals for additional medical supplies currently under consideration.
