18 August 2010 - The United Nations World Health Organization (WHO) has contributed US$ 20,000 worth of ventilators, suction machines and other emergency equipment to the intensive care unit of one the biggest hospitals in Afghanistan.

“Hundreds of general and conflict-related patients refer to the Mirwais Hospital for treatment on a daily basis,” Director of Kandahar Ministry of Public Health, Dr Qayom Pokhla, told local media.

“Every day there is a security incident either in Kandahar or in other parts of the region, and after receiving the equipment, we will be able to reach our requirements more efficiently then before,” he added.

Mirwais, a state-run hospital supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), is the only medical centre in the south capable of carrying out complicated surgery.

The WHO’s Director in Kandahar, Dr Rahmathullah Kamwak, said the UN agency is committed to providing technical support to the Ministry of Public Health and to build up Mirwais’ capacity to serve the significant needs of community with limited resources.

By Mujeeb Rahman, UNAMA