Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Health has signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar to construct a state-of-the-art 400-bed hospital in Kandahar, a project aimed at strengthening maternal, child, and internal health services in the country’s south.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between Minister of Public Health Mawlavi Noor Jalal Jalali and Qatar’s Charge d’Affaires, Dr. Murdif Ali Al-Qashouti. Minister Jalali praised Qatar’s continued support, emphasizing that the new hospital will provide critical access to specialized care for residents of Kandahar and neighboring provinces.

“This facility will significantly improve the health services available to our people, especially mothers and children, who are among the most vulnerable,” Jalali said.

Qatar’s Charge d’Affaires reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan’s healthcare system, describing the initiative as part of broader efforts to enhance long-term well-being in the region.

Dr. Munem Shah, President of the Qatar Charity Foundation, hailed the signing as a “new chapter” in their cooperation with Afghanistan. “This project goes beyond construction — it is an investment in the future health and resilience of Afghan families,” he said.

The hospital, expected to be completed within two and a half years, will include advanced facilities for obstetrics, gynecology, surgical operations, laboratories, and other essential departments, marking a major step forward in healthcare infrastructure for southern Afghanistan. (ILKHA)