Sharp Rise in Respiratory Patients in Balkh as Winter Begins

With the onset of winter and increasing pollution and dust in Balkh province, the number of patients suffering from respiratory diseases visiting the 50-bed Infectious Diseases Hospital has risen significantly. Mohammad Akram Peghami, the hospital’s service manager, announced that in the past three months, nearly 12,000 patients have visited the center, among whom over 4,000 were diagnosed with respiratory illnesses and more than 1,100 were hospitalized.

Doctors attribute the main cause of this increase to air pollution, dust, and smoke, emphasizing health precautions, the use of masks, and wearing warm clothing during winter. Mustafa Khushiwal, an infectious diseases specialist, stated that strong winds and rising dust levels also increase respiratory sensitivities, advising people, especially in cities, to wear masks and glasses while moving about to prevent eye irritation.

Despite some shortcomings, patients’ families have expressed relative satisfaction with the hospital’s services. Abdullah Sediqi, a relative of a patient, said his elder brother, who suffered from coughing and restlessness, received proper care after visiting the hospital.

According to hospital officials, about 8,000 patients visited the center in the first four months of this year, but in the last three months, this figure has risen to 12,000. This significant increase highlights growing concerns over the health and environmental situation in Balkh.