FIVE WEEKS TRIP IN AFGHANISTAN

Nafisa Abdullah M.D.

Spring 2004

     This is a brief report and observation of my visit to Afghanistan.

     KABUL MEDICAL SCHOOL:

1. The laboratories were severely lacking in equipment, materials and supplies.

2. I had the opportunity to attend some classes and lectures.  Both male and females students and attending physicians were interviewed to learn more about their concerns and problems.

3. As a guest of the Medical School and an executive member of the AMAA, I attended a four day national workshop on The Principals of Curriculum Development which was organized by Kabul Medical Institute and supported by the World Health Organization.  The concerns of the students and attending physicians were brought to the attention of the attendees.

4. The printing department of the Medical School was also lacking in equipment and supplies.   The AMAA purchased two large printers, a fax machine, two typewriters, one in English, one in Dari, a large stapler and a paper cutter.  These were formally presented to the Chancellor of the Medical School and the head of the printing department.  A formal Thank You letter from the Chancellor was delivered to the AMAA.

 

MALALI MATERNITY HOSPITAL

 

We had morning rounds and case presentation at bed side and in the lecture hall.  We performed several gynecological and obstetrical surgeries.

 

25 stethoscopes from Dr. Noor Zia Tajyar and a fetal doppler were donated to the hospital.

 

Three American nurse mid wives who were supported by the Afghan Relief Organization were intorduced to the OBGYN Department.

 

 

RABIA BALKHI MATERNITY HOSPITAL.

 

I visited with the Director of the hospital and the American Administrator of the maternity section.  Ten thousand sutures which were donated by the AMAA, Kaiser Permanente of Southern California - West Los Angeles.  In addition, some medication was donated by Dr Ragbir Bir and Dr Yousuf Sadiq, members of the AMAA.  A formal Thank You note was received from the Director of the hospital.

 

MEETING WITH MR. KHALILZAD AND DR PETER SALIH.

 

The healthcare needs of the country were discussed in a meeting with the American Ambassador to Afghanistan, Mr. Khalilzad and his health advisor, Dr. Peter Salih.

 

VISITING HOSPITALS IN PANJSHIR AND BAMIAN

 

I traveled to the hospital in Panjshir and Bamian which has been supported by the Italians and Agha Khan. The accomplishments of the Panjshir hospital were very impressive.