New Indian Aid to Afghanistan’s Health Sector; Shipment of Medicines and Medical Equipment Arrives in Kabul.
India has sent a new shipment of medicines and medical equipment to a hospital in Kabul. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said New Delhi remains committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan in the areas of health and medical care.
On Thursday, 29 Asad (August 20), Jaiswal wrote on his X account that another shipment of medicines and medical consumables had arrived at Kabul International Airport. He emphasized that India would continue to support Afghanistan’s healthcare system.
The spokesperson did not provide details on the quantity or value of the shipment. The Taliban have also not officially commented on India’s latest medical assistance.
Images released by Jaiswal show a large shipment of medicines and medical equipment at Kabul airport. No further details have been provided about the final destination or the types of equipment included in the shipment.
The aid comes amid heightened tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan and the closure of border crossings between the two countries. Taliban officials have called for expanded Indian cooperation in the healthcare sector.
Over the past year, India has sent several shipments of medicines and medical equipment to Afghanistan. In late Jawza this year, India donated approximately five tonnes of medicines to Afghanistan. Earlier, in Qaws and Dalwa of the previous year, India had sent more than 75 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to the country.
According to a report published by Afghanistan International in Dalwa last year, prices of some medicines in Kabul increased by as much as 40 percent three months after the Taliban ordered a halt to pharmaceutical trade with Pakistan. The report said formal pharmaceutical trade with Pakistan had been suspended, while some medicines needed in Afghanistan were entering the market through smuggling routes.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
