New 200-bed cancer hospital opens in Kabul, offering hope to patients

A new 200-bed hospital dedicated to diagnosing and treating cancer patients has been inaugurated in Kabul.

The facility occupies the former building of the Administrative Reforms and Civil Service Commission in the capital.

It aims to provide critical care services and reduce the need for Afghans to travel abroad for treatment.

At the opening ceremony on January 29 in Kabul, officials highlighted the collaborative effort that brought this long-needed facility into operation.

Call for more support

Noor Jalal Jalali, the Minister of Public Health, emphasized the government's dedication to improving specialized healthcare services nationwide.

"We are committed to expanding and reforming our health services," he stated.

"I call on all businesspeople and charitable organizations to support cancer patients," said Jalali, according to TOLOnews.

"Cancer is economically devastating, and in neighboring countries, private sector support plays a big role in patient care."

Jalali also announced that India donated 10 tons of anti-cancer medication valued at approximately one million dollars.

There are plans for India to assist in equipping the hospital with modern radiotherapy technology, he said.

According to officials, a specialist training program for Afghan doctors will be launched at the new center to build local expertise.

The European Union's Deputy Head of Delegation, Benjamin Weisz, reaffirmed the EU's long-standing support for Afghanistan's health sector.

"It is of utmost importance to preserve the operating space where female health workers continue to provide services and where women and children can receive basic health and nutrition services," TOLOnews quoted Weisz as saying.

He noted that the European Union currently provides around 100m dollars in humanitarian and essential needs funding to Afghanistan.

Expanding care

The newly opened medical facility will serve as a national referral center, treating patients from all provinces, with plans to expand capacity to 200 beds.

Beyond physical infrastructure, WHO focuses on strengthening people and health systems, training more than 60 doctors, nurses, and pharmacists from across Afghanistan.

For many families, the new hospital represents a long-awaited opportunity for accessible treatment within their own country.

"We used to take our patients to Pakistan," said Amanullah, a caregiver currently working at the hospital.

"Now their problems are addressed here. If the government also supports us with medication, it will be a great help."

Another caregiver, Eid Mohammad, shared hopes that similar facilities will eventually reach communities beyond the capital.

"It would be a blessing if cancer hospitals were established in all provinces and regions."

With the opening of this hospital, there is renewed optimism that more Afghan cancer patients can receive essential care at home.