Panjshir Basic Health Clinics provide foundation for progress

PANJSHIR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Panjshir province Ministry of Public Health officially opened the Obdara Basic Health Clinic in the Gholbach village, Anaba district, Oct. 25.

The clinic will provide basic preventative health and minor outpatient services to a population ranging from 15,000 to 30,000 and will also stock a small pharmacy, which is the only source of medicine to the population.

The Obdara Health Clinic is the only Ministry of Public Health facility in the Obdara Valley, one of the most populous side valleys of Panjshir. Its construction follows the previous Panjshir Reconstruction Teams’ efforts to extend the reach of basic services to the citizens.

“It is often very difficult for everyone to have access to health care due to the mountainous terrain,” said Dr. Karimi, Panjshir Director of Public Health. “These clinics provide the basic resources needed to help improve the health of the people of this valley.”

According to the “Hierarchy of Needs,” developed by psychologist Dr. Abraham Maslow in the 1940’s, physiological needs or “health” is the fundamental necessity of all human beings, and the cornerstone of security and development. Higher needs such as safety, social and self-esteem are not recognized until one satisfies the needs basic to existence.

“The Ministry of Public Health is providing high-quality health care, which enables security and development,” said Army Maj. Gordon Ross, Panjshir PRT chief medical technician. “Poor health leads to a myriad of problems. If a person can’t get health care for their family, then they may get desperate and support whoever is offering to take care of them regardless of their overall motives.”

In addition to providing health care services, clinics educate the public on health and preventative medicine. Classes are taught on water purification and proper nutrition to aid people in taking care of themselves and preventing them from becoming ill. 

“Although medicines and procedures such prenatal care and the treatment of injuries are essential, a lot of health care is education,” Ross said. “If you don’t have centers where people can come and learn from those with the proper knowledge on how to keep well then the situation will never improve.”

The current PRT’s main line of development effort is to extend transportation networks far into remote valleys, enabling greater access to goods and services. As new roads are built, basic services, including medical care, will be able to follow.

“This clinic will serve 21 villages,” Dr. Karimi said. “For people who are used to hiking or traveling on animals up to four hours to get health-care, these clinics are very important.  Without the help of the government of Panjshir and the PRTs this wouldn’t be possible.”