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Severe Healthcare Crisis in Afghanistan as Female Doctors Disappear from Remote Areas

Women in Afghanistan’s remote regions are raising alarm over the acute shortage of female doctors, describing it as a major barrier to accessing critical healthcare, particularly for pregnancy and gynaecological needs.


The situation has been worsened by Taliban-imposed restrictions that have curtailed women's education in the medical field. Over the past three years, the Taliban have implemented at least three policies barring women and girls from studying medicine, attending medical institutes, or sitting for medical certification exams, according to residents and rights groups.


A Healthcare Desert for Afghan Women


This restrictive environment has left rural areas in Afghanistan critically underserved, with few or no female doctors or midwives available. Women in these regions often endure life-threatening delays as they must travel to urban centres for treatment—an already challenging journey further complicated by Taliban rules requiring a male guardian for travel.


“There is no midwife here. We are forced to go to the city, and it’s very difficult for us,” said Nafisa, a resident of Farah province. “If there are no vehicles, we must call a car from the city, and it’s very stressful.”

Zarghuna, another resident of Farah, shared the tragic outcomes of this healthcare gap: “Many women give birth without midwives. Either their babies die, or they pass away themselves before even reaching the city.”


Global Agencies Sound the Alarm


The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified Afghanistan as one of the world’s most severe healthcare crises, with women and children disproportionately affected by the collapse of medical services. WHO recently launched an emergency funding appeal, requesting $1.5 billion to support over 300 million people in 42 crisis-affected regions, including Afghanistan.


Despite international efforts, the healthcare system in Afghanistan remains on the brink of collapse, with a shortage of trained female healthcare workers exacerbating the crisis.


Taliban Policies Deepen the Crisis


The Taliban’s restrictions on women's education in medical sciences are directly contributing to the shortage of female doctors. Afghan women and girls are currently prohibited from:


  • Studying medicine at universities.

  • Attending medical institutes.

  • Taking medical certification exams.


This has left entire communities without access to basic healthcare services, forcing women to rely on untrained birth attendants or travel long distances under dire circumstances.


Call for Immediate Action


Health advocates and international organisations warn that the situation will only worsen without swift intervention. “The lack of female healthcare workers is not just a gap—it’s a life-threatening emergency for Afghan women,” said a spokesperson for a rights organisation.


Advocates are urging the international community to increase funding, push for policy reforms, and ensure Afghan women and girls regain access to education and training in the medical field.


Without these critical changes, Afghanistan’s healthcare crisis will continue to disproportionately harm the most vulnerable populations, particularly women and children.


Note: Originally Published by https://amu.tv/151755/

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