Nearly 2,000 Afghan Doctors Working In Iran, Says Interior Ministry Adviser
Nader YarAhmadi, an adviser to Iran’s Minister of Interior, has announced that nearly 2,000 Afghan doctors are currently working in Iran, including around 700 specialists and subspecialists.
In an interview published on Thursday by Iranian news outlet Khabar Online, YarAhmadi stated that some of these doctors also serve as university professors, employed under contracts with various Iranian universities.
While acknowledging the positive contributions of qualified Afghan professionals, he also raised concerns over the presence of undocumented Afghan nationals in the country. “The illegal presence of Afghan citizens in our country has created an atmosphere where, at times, when we want to utilise legally residing individuals, the conditions are not ideal,” he remarked.
Following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan has witnessed a significant exodus of medical professionals. The combination of severe restrictions on women, drastic cuts in healthcare funding, and escalating poverty has pushed the country’s healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
The Taliban’s ban on women’s education—particularly in medical and scientific fields—and ongoing limitations on female employment have further exacerbated the crisis, leaving many hospitals and clinics understaffed and under-resourced.
As a result, many Afghan doctors have sought opportunities abroad, including in neighbouring Iran, where their skills are in demand despite the broader challenges surrounding refugee and migrant integration.
