SOCIETY — February 17, 2026
Dawood Khan Hospital Performs First Successful Lower Jaw Reconstruction Using Custom Implant
Afghanistan's Dawood Khan Hospital successfully performed its first lower jaw reconstruction using a custom implant on Helmand resident Abdul Salam, restoring his chewing and speaking abilities after failed foreign surgeries. The procedure involved Afghan specialists and technical support from Indian doctor Dr. Kumar.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with ToloNews — 2 min read

KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- The 400-bed Specialized Hospital of Martyr Sardar Mohammad Dawood Khan has announced the successful first implementation of lower jaw (mandible) reconstruction surgery using a custom implant.
Abdul Salam, a resident of Helmand province, suffered a complete bone defect in the right section of his lower jaw seven years ago due to a bullet wound. He had previously undergone multiple surgeries in foreign countries without success, experiencing difficulties with chewing and speaking. Following the procedure at the hospital, Abdul Salam reported significant improvement.
"I had several surgeries abroad, but they didn't have good results," Abdul Salam told ToloNews. "Now that we underwent the surgery here at Dawood Khan Hospital, my condition is better."
The surgery was performed by Afghan specialists in technical cooperation with India. Farid Ahmad Khaledi, the surgeon who conducted the operation, stated: "In cooperation with Dr. Kumar who collaborated with us, this device was brought. Then our specialist team implanted this artificial lower jaw. The result was successful."
Other patients with similar conditions have requested access to the procedure from the hospital leadership and Ministry of Defense. Samiullah, another patient, said: "After surgery on my lower jaw due to a bullet fragment, I also need this type of lower mandible reconstruction. I hope the hospital leadership cooperates with me."
Built in 1973, the 400-bed Shahid Sardar Mohammad Dawood Khan Hospital has served as the country's largest and most equipped medical center since its establishment.
Read the original reporting at ToloNews →
Reliability assessment
Single source with direct, on-record quotes from named patient (Abdul Salam), named surgeon (Farid Ahmad Khaledi), and reference to named collaborator (Dr. Kumar); includes concrete details like hospital name, patient background, procedure specifics, and historical context, not high-stakes or volatile.
Across the newsrooms
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ToloNews
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Filed under
Society — Dawood Khan Hospital, Helmand, Jaw Reconstruction, India Cooperation, Medical Surgery
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