Kabul/New Delhi, Dec 29 (NationPress) India has sent a shipment of six ambulances to Afghanistan, reflecting the strengthening of healthcare ties between the two nations, as reported by local media.

The ambulances are fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment, enabling them to transport emergency patients and deliver urgent health services, according to Sharafat Zaman Amarkhel, the Taliban spokesman for the ministry, as stated by AMU TV.

According to Amarkhel, India’s contributions can enhance health services, particularly in emergency situations within Afghanistan.

This delivery is part of a pledge made during high-level discussions between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi in New Delhi in October.

During the meeting, Jaishankar referred to the initiative as “20 ambulances, a gesture of goodwill.”

“Additionally, India will supply MRI and CT scan machines to Afghan hospitals, along with vaccines for immunization and cancer treatments. We have also provided drug rehabilitation resources through UNODC and are willing to assist further,” the foreign minister had mentioned.

Earlier this month, Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, met with Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda in the national capital to explore ways to bolster bilateral healthcare cooperation.

The discussions concentrated on enhancing health collaboration, exchanging expertise among medical professionals, training Afghan health workers, and ensuring the provision of quality medicines to Afghanistan. They also addressed cancer treatment, medical visas for Afghan patients, and support for health facilities, as shared by Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health on social media.

Jalali expressed gratitude to India for its recent health sector support and highlighted further needs to enhance Afghanistan’s healthcare system.

During the talks, Nadda reiterated New Delhi's commitment to assisting the Afghan populace, including the supply of medicines and vaccines.

He confirmed that a CT scan machine, along with necessary medicines and vaccines, would be dispatched to a children’s hospital in Kabul shortly.

Nadda emphasized that India aims to facilitate access to medical treatment for Afghan patients and is prepared to extend additional support.

He pointed out that India has sent 327 tonnes of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan over the last four years. Proposals from the Afghan side for a radiotherapy machine and other medical supplies are currently under consideration.