SOCIETY — June 16, 2026
Free Surgical Treatment Planned for 250 Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in Khost
The two-week program, backed by the Ministry of Public Health, will be led by Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Ghayur and an eight-member team from Istqlal Hospital, addressing a condition that affects around 500 people in the province where treatment typically costs more than 20,000 afghanis.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Bakhtar News — 2 min read

The Public Health Directorate in Khost province has announced that free surgical treatment will be provided to 250 patients with cleft lips and palates. The program is supported by the Ministry of Public Health and a specialist plastic surgery team from Kabul's Istqlal Hospital. The team is led by Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Ghayur and consists of eight members.
The operations are scheduled to take place over a period of two weeks. This effort is aimed at addressing the needs of patients in the province. Approximately 500 people in Khost are affected by the condition, according to local health officials.
The main causes of cleft lips and palates include hereditary factors, folic acid deficiency during pregnancy, and the use of certain medications without a doctor's advice. These factors contribute to the prevalence of the condition among the population.
Sheragul Jadrani has emphasized the necessity of the free treatment program. The cost of surgical treatment normally exceeds 20,000 afghanis per patient. This high cost makes it difficult for many families to afford the necessary care without assistance.
The free program is therefore essential for ensuring that affected individuals can receive the treatment they require. The initiative represents a significant step in providing accessible healthcare services in the province. Health authorities are working to facilitate the treatment process for all selected patients during the designated period.
The collaboration between local health directorate and the ministry underscores the commitment to improving public health outcomes. Patients will benefit from the expertise of the visiting specialist team from the capital.
Read the original reporting at Bakhtar News →
Reliability assessment
Single source provides direct on-record attribution with concrete, checkable details including named officials (Sheragul Jadrani, Dr. Abdul Ghaffar Ghayur), specific locations (Khost province, Istqlal Hospital), numbers (250 patients, 500 affected), and timeline (two weeks)
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Society — Khost, cleft lip and palate, Public Health Directorate, Istqlal Hospital, Ministry of Public Health
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