The Directorate of Invitation and Guidance of the caretaker government’s Ministry of Public Health has recently announced 11 positions for “religious preachers” for civil institutions, including hospitals.
A recently published version of the list of announced positions indicates that, alongside male preachers, one “female preacher and teacher” will also be hired.
It further states that religious preachers in civil institutions, including hospitals, are tasked with overseeing and intervening in the “dress, behavior, and beliefs” of employees.
These positions are in health centers in the districts of Kabul.
Additionally, some media outlets have reported that religious preachers have been hired in certain health centers, including drug rehabilitation centers.
The caretaker government is hiring religious preachers in health centers at a time when these facilities are facing a shortage of professional staff, including female doctors.
Moreover, the current government has banned the education of women and girls, and this prohibition will likely lead to a serious crisis in Afghanistan’s health sector in the future.
It should be noted that the caretaker government has previously hired preachers and imams in universities.
This group has been established in every governmental department under the title of Invitation and Guidance, which is said to be responsible for monitoring the dress and beliefs of employees.
