A team of doctors traveled to the remote province of Badghis to provide free treatment and services to eye patients. These doctors, supported by Turkey and coordinated with the Ministry of Public Health, were expected to examine around 200 patients daily at Qala-e-Naw City’s provincial hospital and perform surgeries on approximately 25 individuals. While the residents initially welcomed the arrival of these doctors, the Taliban later impeded their activities. Sources in Badghis province confirm that the doctors came to provide free treatment, but their work has been halted due to the Taliban’s opposition, citing the absence of a formal agreement.
Residents of Badghis province who have sought treatment from these doctors in recent days express their gratitude for their visit, emphasizing that this team’s presence can offer treatment to numerous eye patients. Abdulhalim, a resident of the Tagab-e Ismail area in Badghis province, brought his elderly father to receive treatment from the doctors and explained that his father’s deteriorating eyesight, due to advanced age, has led to vision loss. Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, Abdulhalim stated, “A neighbor of ours went to Qala-e-Naw City a day ago and informed us about the arrival of eye doctors who are providing free treatment. Upon hearing the news, I immediately brought my father. Since we lack an eye clinic in Qala-e-Naw, I would often obtain eye drops or ointment for my father, who would resort to rubbing his eyes with his own hands. This initiative is truly remarkable, and it has brought happiness to everyone. When I learned that the eye doctors had arrived, I was overjoyed. Today, I brought my father here willingly, hoping that, God willing, the medication will have an effect.”
Mohammad Yousuf, a resident of the Ghurqch region in Badghis province, took his 15-year-old son to the eye doctors upon learning that they had arrived in Qala-e-Naw and were offering free treatment to eye patients. Yousuf explained, “My child has been experiencing eye problems, including difficulty seeing things up close and excessive watering of the eyes. When I heard about the doctors’ presence in Qala-e-Naw, I brought my son with the hope that God willing, his eyes would improve. His eye issues have persisted for many years, and I couldn’t afford to take him to Herat province. As a laborer, no matter how much I earn in a year, our expenses keep increasing. Our financial situation is challenging, and I didn’t have the means to seek medical help.”
Hamidullah Naeemi (pseudonym), one of the youths in Badghis province, believes that initiating such a program showcases the utmost empathy for impoverished individuals in society who cannot afford doctor’s fees or transportation expenses. Hamidullah also urges the Taliban not to oppose these initiatives. In an interview with the Hasht-e Subh Daily, he expressed, “Our society has been plagued by poverty. As residents, we understand that people, from villages to the city of Qala-e-Naw, struggle to afford transportation and doctor’s fees. Launching and undertaking acts of kindness like this can make a significant impact. Qala-e-Naw, like other areas, had eye doctors before. However, since the arrival of this healthcare team and the spread of news about free treatment, there has been a remarkable surge in the number of patients. I hope that programs like this receive support due to the poverty prevailing in our society, as they serve as a means to assist the needy and voiceless.”
He asserts that the Taliban should not impede the doctors’ work, considering the significant number of eye patients who have already received treatment in just a few days. Many individuals have been enduring eye problems for years due to economic hardships, and the presence of eye doctors and free treatment has ignited a glimmer of hope for them. Hamidullah persistently urges the Taliban to permit and support such endeavors. He believes that rather than obstructing the activities of humanitarian teams in society, the Taliban should facilitate them.
It is important to note that the Taliban have previously refused permission for relief organizations to operate in similar situations. Throughout the two years of Taliban rule, numerous organizations have voiced complaints about Taliban members interfering in their work. This is in contrast to reports from the people, who indicate that the Taliban individuals obstruct specific activities and create obstacles for organizations to pursue their interests.
