Turkmenistan Ready To Export Medicines, Equipment To Afghanistan

Turkmenistan has expressed its willingness to export medicines and medical equipment to Afghanistan, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare.

The announcement was made during a meeting in Ashgabat between representatives of Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Health and Medical Industry and a delegation of Afghan doctors from a hospital in Herat.

Turkmen media reported that the discussions focused on deepening partnerships in the pharmaceutical industry and medical technologies. The Afghan delegation specifically requested the supply of high-quality, affordable Turkmen medicines to address healthcare needs in Afghanistan.

The Turkmen side provided insights into the operations of its pharmaceutical and medical equipment manufacturing companies, highlighting their capacity to meet international demand.

In a related humanitarian effort, Turkmenistan sent three female doctors to Afghanistan in May 2023 to work at the Torghundi maternity hospital in Herat, providing essential medical services to Afghan women. The initiative was documented by Turkmenistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Afghanistan continues to face significant challenges in healthcare, particularly for women and children, under Taliban rule. The Taliban’s restrictions, including bans on girls and women attending schools, universities, and medical training institutions, have exacerbated the crisis.

Afghanistan currently has the highest maternal mortality rate globally, prompting repeated appeals from the Taliban for international support to bolster the country’s healthcare system.