Kabul/New Delhi, Dec 18 (NationPress) The Minister of Public Health for Afghanistan, Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, engaged in discussions with Jagat Prakash Nadda, Minister of Health and Family Welfare, in New Delhi, focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector.

The discussions emphasized strengthening health partnerships, sharing knowledge among medical professionals, improving the skills of Afghan health workers, and ensuring a steady supply of quality medications to Afghanistan. Topics such as cancer treatment, medical visas for Afghan patients, and support for health facilities were also highlighted in a post by Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health on X.

Jalali expressed his gratitude to India for its recent healthcare assistance and detailed further necessities for the advancement of Afghanistan’s healthcare framework.

During the meeting, Nadda reiterated New Delhi's commitment to aiding the Afghan populace by providing medicines and vaccines. He announced that a CT scan machine, along with vital medications and vaccines, would soon be dispatched to a children's hospital in Kabul.

Nadda noted that India aims to facilitate access to medical treatments for Afghan patients and is prepared to offer additional support.

After the discussions, Nadda posted on X, stating, “Had a fruitful meeting with Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, Afghan Minister of Public Health. Reaffirmed India’s dedication to ongoing humanitarian aid and healthcare collaboration with Afghanistan while exploring ways to further bolster this partnership, especially focusing on the long-term provision of medicines.”

“I symbolically handed over cancer medications and vaccines, showcasing India’s commitment to addressing the medical needs of the Afghan community. A substantial shipment of medicines, vaccines, and a 128-slice CT scanner is also on its way to Afghanistan,” he added.

Nadda mentioned that India has supplied 327 tonnes of medicines and vaccines to Afghanistan in the last four years. Proposals from the Afghan side for a radiotherapy machine and other medical supplies are currently under review.

Afghan Health Minister Jalali also met with Prataprao Jadhav, Minister for AYUSH, where they deliberated on the establishment of a traditional medicine institute and research center in Kabul, as well as training practitioners and formalizing a bilateral cooperation agreement.

“Jalali emphasized the necessity of standardizing traditional medicine and noted the commencement of regulatory measures in Afghanistan, remarking that India’s expertise is particularly beneficial,” stated the Afghan Ministry of Public Health.

According to the Afghan Ministry, Jadhav committed to assisting in the setup of research centers, curriculum development, and the expansion of cooperation in traditional medicine.

On X, Jadhav remarked, “Fostering bilateral healthcare relations! Had a constructive meeting with H.E. Mawlawi Noor Jalal Jalali, Minister of Public Health of Afghanistan, and Karan Yadav, Cd’A, Embassy of India, Kabul. We discussed enhancing cooperation in traditional medicine systems and homeopathy for our mutual benefit.”