KABUL: Taliban authorities have closed the Fatima al-Zahra Clinic in Dasht-e Barchi, Kabul, halting medical activities at a healthcare facility serving members of Afghanistan’s Shia community.
The clinic is located in Police District 13, an area of western Kabul that is home to a large Hazara and Shia population. The closure has stopped medical services previously provided by the facility to residents of the area.
Details about the reasons behind the closure and whether the facility will be allowed to resume operations remain unclear. Taliban authorities have not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the decision in the information available.
Healthcare access remains a major concern in Afghanistan, particularly for communities facing economic hardship and limited access to medical facilities. International organizations have repeatedly highlighted pressure on the country’s healthcare system, including shortages of funding, medical personnel and essential services.
Dasht-e Barchi has also experienced repeated security incidents in recent years, including attacks targeting civilians and members of the Hazara and Shia communities.
The reported closure of the Fatima al-Zahra Clinic has prompted concerns about access to healthcare for residents who relied on the facility. Further details regarding the circumstances of the closure and its impact on local patients remain awaited.