The course of evolution in the management of basic health and hospital services in Afghanistan

Abstract

Developing countries, including Afghanistan, encounter numerous challenges in establishing and advancing their emergency medical systems. This paper addresses the complexities faced by post-war nations, including Afghanistan, such as an unstable political system, weak economy, poor basic health indicators, cultural poverty, and persistent violence. Afghanistan has made progress in the post-war era by implementing the Basic Package of Health and Hospital Services (BPHS) and the Essential Package of Hospital Services (EPHS) through the Ministry of Public Health to provide healthcare. Within the BPHS, a special emphasis has been placed on trauma and trauma-related disabilities, with initiatives launched to address these issues. Currently, the majority of emergency services in Afghanistan are provided by the military sector and non-governmental organizations. However, several critical challenges must be addressed, such as security concerns, inadequate infrastructure, economic limitations, limited access to healthcare facilities, substandard conditions in healthcare facilities, and a shortage of trained healthcare providers, particularly female professionals. Achieving the long-term goal of delivering quality healthcare to all Afghan citizens necessitates a comprehensive approach involving targeted projects, external support, domestic responsibilities, and an investment of time.