Afghan national security forces, Ministry of Public Health and Coalition forces provided medical and humanitarian assistance to more than 350 Afghans in Farah province, Afghanistan. (U.S. Army photo)
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan (Jan. 21, 2008) — One of the more popular initiatives by Afghan national security forces, assisted by the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health, are temporary health clinics set up in remote areas of the country.
In the western province of Farah, ANSF, assisted by coalition soldiers and medics, provided health care to villagers who would not otherwise have easy access to medical services. The clinic was held near a combined military outpost in Farah District. The Jan. 17 clinic treated more than 350 Afghans.
"The popularity of clinics continues to grow, with more and more villagers hearing about the free health services via radio messages or word of mouth," said Army Maj. Chris Belcher, Combined Joint Task Force-82 spokesman. "Many people listen to messages on Radio Farah and then tell a friend or family member about the clinic."
"Generally everyone loves the clinic," Belcher said. "Villagers say it is a good place to come for free health care."
"We are happy with the government of Farah," said an Afghan villager who came to the clinic for a check up. "There are some who have travelled from very far away to come to Farah for the clinic."
"If the treatment goes beyond what we can provide, we can refer the villagers to the Farah Hospital for further treatment," said a Coalition medic.
The clinic is staffed by doctors and medics from Afghan national army, Ministry of Public Health officials and coalition forces.
"The government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Afghan national security forces are committed to serving the needs of the Afghan people," Belcher said. "The Farah Clinic is one way the Afghan government cares for its people."