Afghanistan faces acute shortage of specialist doctors, officials urge ethics and expansion of health services

Afghanistan continues to face a serious shortage of specialist doctors, health officials stated during the graduation ceremony of specialist physicians from the General Directorate of Medical Specialization for the year 1404.

Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health, said the ministry is making sustained efforts to address the gap and expand healthcare access in remote areas. He noted that hospitals are absent in 318 districts nationwide, with initial construction completed in 100 of them. Jalali emphasized strengthening health infrastructure and training qualified specialists as top priorities, while urging doctors to treat patients with compassion and prioritize public service over material gain.

Hamdullah Nomani, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted a decline in public trust toward some medical professionals due to behavior driven by financial motives. He called on new graduates to serve sincerely and restore confidence in the healthcare system.

Abdul Wali Sadiqi, financial and administrative deputy minister of public health, advised graduates to commit honestly to their profession. Abdul Baqi Haqqani, head of the National Examinations Authority, stressed doctors' role in preserving public health alongside worship.

Health sector experts called for increased investment in specialist training and infrastructure.

Separately, Naemullah Ayoubi, Director General of Drug and Health Products Regulation, led a delegation to Turkey to discuss medicine regulation, visit pharmaceutical factories, and strengthen coordination for affordable drugs.

The Ministry of Public Health also inaugurated the National Cancer Diagnostic and Therapeutic Hospital, a 200-bed facility for nationwide cancer care. Jalali described it as a major step offering hope to patients.