Taliban administration cites shortage of eye specialists in districts

The Taliban-run Public Health Ministry has described the shortage of specialist eye doctors in remote areas as a challenge, saying that many people across the country are struggling with various eye diseases.

Mawlawi Abdul Wali Haqqani, the ministry’s deputy for health service delivery, said on Thursday at an awareness session on eye health in Kabul that reducing and preventing the rise in blindness is among the Public Health Ministry’s “important priorities.”

According to him, the ministry believes that with “joint cooperation and sustained efforts,” better eye care services can be provided.

The remarks come as access to specialised health services in many districts and remote areas has been reported as limited because of a shortage of skilled personnel and medical facilities.