Extreme Makeover, Afghanistan: Balkh Hospital

Balkh public hospital undergoes reconstruction

ISAF: KABUL, Afghanistan – The Balkh public hospital located in Mazar-e Sharif is currently under reconstruction to increase capability for expanded treatment and routine checkups.

“We lost a big part of our treatment possibilities through the fire in our buildings. Although we continue our medical activities we need more space for treatment. There are hundreds of patients every day and it is very hard to treat them fairly,” said Dr. Hamida Elmi, head of the physicians at the Balkh hospital.

According to Elmi, when the reconstruction is finished, most treatment services will transfer to the hospital. It will easily cover all the medical needs in the northern provinces and will be a leading example for all other hospitals.

Many villagers are benefiting from the reconstruction of the hospital.

“I have been working here for about three months. There are eight people in my family. At the moment I am able to feed my family together with my father," said Abdulhakim from Jawzjan province. “If the people of our country will invest in more projects in different sectors, many people like me will find jobs. It helps to get a better economic situation for the people. The results of these projects are also a positive step towards the further development of Afghanistan.”

When the construction of the new building is finished, the increase of facilities for doctors, nurses and patients will make more treatment and medical checks possible.