Healthcare Access to the Poor in Afghanistan

Greetings from Kabul, Afghanistan

FMIC started its operations in a volatile situation when security condition was deteriorating while accessing a modest tertiary healthcare facility was a tall order for the Afghans. There was serious lack of human resources in various specialties hence the Afghans highly depended upon medical tourism abroad. In such circumstances the presence of FMIC was no less than a miracle. For the last 14 years, FMIC has been catering to the healthcare needs of Afghanistan with a vibrant vision, “to be a leading institute of excellence and innovation in healthcare, research and education, providing exemplary, safe, comprehensive, accessible and sustainable services to Afghanistan and surrounding regions, while positively impacting the lives of patients and all others Whom it serves.”

Despite many challenges, FMIC has achieved remarkable success over the past 14 years. In 2009, it became the first hospital in Afghanistan to be ISO certified whereas the first open heart surgery was performed by indigenous doctors at FMIC in 2010. Since 2011 it has annually sponsored an international scientific conference as well as a quality and patient safety convention, both of which showcase Afghan health professionals’ high capacity for critical thinking. The Post Graduate Medical Education Program (PGME) is a flagship program of FMIC established in 2012, with the support of the Aga Khan University (AKU) and Ministry of Public Health (MoPH). The programme has so far graduated 45 physician specialists whereas 39 are currently enrolled in three to five-year programmes in eight disciplines. Five of those programmes – such as anaesthesiology, cardiac surgery, cardiology, pathology and radiology – are not offered anywhere else in Afghanistan. Moreover, healtcare access to patients in remotest areas for tele-consultation and training of human resources has been ensured through eHealth program since 2007.

FMIC has so far served over 1.39 million patients from all parts of Afghanistan through its in-patient and out-patient services. In diagnostics, 4.1 million Laboratory Tests and 0.73 Million Radiology Procedures have been performed thus far.

FMIC’s Patient Welfare Programme underwrites the cost of care for people who cannot afford to pay for all or part of their treatment. During the year 2019 alone, 42,598 patients were supported through patient welfare program with a financial contribution of US$ 2.3M by FMIC. 

Since FMIC’s inception in 2006 to 2019; a total of 547,116 patients, from all 34 provinces of Afghanistan have been supported  with patient welfare funds of which 493,961 were outpatient (clinics, radiology and laboratory) whereas, 53,155 were inpatient. As a whole, FMIC’s Patient Welfare Program has spent $38.9 million so far in providing the medical and surgical care to those in critical need.

We are highly grateful to the genrosity of our donors for their support to the patient welfare which ultimately helps us serve the most deserving and deprived segements of the society. 

Envision a child or mother suffering from life-threatening diseases in an impoverished and war-affected zone. Imagine that just a few dollars contributed by you can help save lives and improve quality of life for many. For example, $10 will pay for an initial visit to a doctor, $15 will pay for one-night stay of a patient in general ward, $65 will pay for one night stay of a patient in the Intensive Care Unit.  We do appreciate your continued support and cooperation!  

Links:

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• FMIC Official website