JALALABAD (Pajhwok): The mother-child mortality rate has been decreased following surge in the number of female health workers in eastern Nangarhar, director health said on Saturday.
But in insecure and remote areas, the health department was facing with problems due to shortage of female health staff there.
At least 20 female amongst the graduates have completed three years education in the institute and most of the graduates have already been appointed in provincial health facilities.
Health Director Najibullah Kamawal told a the 60-group nurses’ graduation ceremony that the government was using all resources to expend health services.
He told Pajhwok Afghan News: “The increasing number of health workers has reduced mortality rate from 1,600 to 327 per year.” He requested the families of the graduates female “to allow them to provide health services in remote areas” where the people were in dire need of health facilities.
Replying to a question, Kamawal said: “We confront with several problems due to shortage of female doctors in Achin and Deh Bala districts and we are striving to tackle the issue.”
Governor Salim Khan Kunduzi said: “We hope that you will provide best health services at district level to further reduce the mortality rate.” The governor stressed parents to allow their children to get education.
Nassar Kamawal, deputy head of provincial council, pointed out that people in far-flung areas confronted with multiple issues in health sector which should be addressed. “The issues and problems of remote areas can be reduced, had the graduates prefer to serve there,” he mentioned.
Samina Azizi Dara Noori, a graduate, said: “My family has allowed me to serve at district level therefore the government should find jobs since we have completed our three years course.”
More than 600 nurses have been graduated in 27 batches from the institute so far. Most of them, according to officials, have been appointed to civil health centers.
shah/rm