Health sources from Badakhshan province report that six health centers supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are set to cease operations in the coming two days.
At least three sources told the media outlet Gowharshad today (Tuesday, August 1) that these health centers are located in the areas of Betash and Miyandashteh in Faizabad city, Dasht Farakh in Baharak district, Dehnab in Argo district, Khosrow in Warduj district, and Daneshabad in Yaftal district, and they will stop functioning within the next two days.
The sources did not provide details regarding the reasons for the closure of these health centers. Local officials from Badakhshan confirmed the cessation of operations at these health centers but did not provide information about the reasons behind it.
These centers provided health services to thousands of people, especially pregnant women and newborns, and will close their doors to patients at the end of this month, ceasing all activities.
Local residents say that many individuals who could not afford to visit a doctor or buy medication relied on these centers for free medicines. They express concern that with the closure of these health facilities, thousands of people, particularly women and children, will face difficulties.
This comes at a time when the operations of a 60-bed maternity and child hospital in Badakhshan, which was financially supported by the World Health Organization, have also recently been halted. The reason for this hospital’s closure is cited as a lack of sufficient funding.
Currently, only one 30-bed women’s unit is operational in Badakhshan provincial hospital, which is unable to meet the needs of patients due to a shortage of doctors and specialists.
It should be noted that this year, international aid organizations have repeatedly reported budget shortfalls and warned about their consequences. Recently, the World Health Organization reported that 310 health centers across the country, including hospitals, are facing severe service shortages and lack of support due to budget constraints.
The organization has warned that the closure of health centers will have a detrimental impact on access to healthcare for more than three million people.
